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:?<

CHJIISTIAN OFFICES,

1^ ill ti - X v/ ±\. xiL. .

STANFORD AND SWORDS, 137, BROAD^

1850.

I
I

I-

, t

CHRISTIAN OFFICES,

FOR THK USE OF

FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS

OCUIPILED FBOK THE LITDRGr OF THE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

AND FSOX

THE DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS OF VARIOUS AUTHORS ;

TOGETnEE WITH BELBOnOXB OF

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE,

AND

A CALENDAR,

FODrTDfO OUT A SUITABLE PORTION OF SCRIPTURE FOB THE FAXILT
WORSHIP OF ETERT DAY IN THE TEAR.

THIRD EDITION,

REVISED, AND MATERIALLY IMPROVED.

BY WILLIAM EDWARD WYATT, D. D..

RECTOR OF ST. PAUL's PARISH, BALTIMORE

NEW-YORK:
STANFORD AND SWORDS, 137, BROADWAY.

1850.

;:_■£, «i3»;J.3. TO

•yiiV*K» aura! utMirt

»./

Entered aaurdlaf; Vo Act o[ CoDgreBB, iu the year IS40,

BY WILLIAM EDWARD WYATT. D, D^

II tlie Clerk's Office of ibe District Court of the United States, (or

PREFACE.

It has been the object of the compiler of thia volnme,
to comprise in a small compass valuable portions of
the devotional writings recognised as standard in the
Church; to select the passages most fervent in spirit,
chaste Jn language, and scriptural in sentiment ; and
thence to furnish a Manual adapted to the wants of
the Christian community. In a great measure the
selections for the Closet are from the works of Bishops
AHDREvrBS, Laud, Taylor, Wilson, and Deak Stah-
HOFE. Jenks' Devotions and the New Manual have
supplied considerable portions. And although the
ueceesity has been felt of abridging, and sometimes
toansposing them, the character of the original forms
ia not changed.

The Offices for the Family, are compiled princi-
pally from Cotterill's Prayers, from the Liturgt op
THE Protestant Episcopal Church, and from the
Prayers of Mr. Jenks, Rector of Harley, England. '
The CALEfiDAn is arranged on the plan of that in

ly PRBFACB.

'^ the Book of Common Prayer." The passages of
Scripture, prefixed to each Family Prayer, are suffi-
ciently ample to furnish a satisfactory reference to
scriptural authority upon most of the Christian doc-
trines and relative duties. These, however, are not
designed to prevent a systematic resort to the Cal-
endar, but to facilitate, under all circumstances, the
reading a portion of " the Word " with other exercises
of social worship. Some of the Offices for Families
may be deemed too long for particular occasions.
But it was judged expedient to provide ample and
comprehensive forms, leaving it to the discretion of
the Reader, by the omission of one or more of the
paragraphs enclosed in brackets^ to adapt the office
to existing circumstances.

CONTENTS.

Address to Parents,
Introductory Prayer,

Pafft
25
48

Sunday, . . A. M.

RM.
Monday, . . A. M.

P.M.

Tuesday, . . A. M.

M.
P.M..
Wednesday, A. M.

P. K

Thursday, . A. M.

P.M.

Friday, . . . A. M.

P. M.

Saturday, . A. M.

M.
P.M.

FIRST WEEK.

•UB/ZCTt or TEXTS PKBrnOED TO TRX PBATUS.

Blessedneiia of Christian Worship,

Christ Worshipped,

Christ, the Mighty God, .

T!ie Christian's Security,

Extent of Christian Charity,

The Unfailing Refuge, .

The Sure Foundation,

A New Heart the Gift of the Spirit,

Tlie Spirit's Operations, .

Repentance,

A Forgiving Spirit, .

The Privilege of Faith,

The Future Reward of Faith, .

The Power of the Word,

Angels, the Ministers of Providenoe,

Extent of the Atonement, .

Faith

Sanctifying Trials,
Test of Faith, ....
Trust in Providence,
Conscience, ....

SECOND WEEK.

Sunday, . . A. M. The Lord's Supper,

M. Baptism, .
P. M. Confirmation,

100

104

109

112

116

120

128

126

183

187'

142

COKTBirr8«

Moodaj, . . A. K. Edifying Oonyenatioii, .... Ii6

K. Ministry,

P. M. Duties to Ministers, 168

Tuesday. . . A. M. Christian Conversation, . $ . 167

M. Diligence, 161

P. M. Lying Lips, .*.... 164

Wednesday, A. ^L Duties of Parents, 168

M. Duties of Children, . * . . 171

P.M. Duties of Husbands and Wives, .174

Thursday, . A. M. Duties of Masters and Servants, . . 179

M. Duties of Subjects, 182

P. M. Duties of Magistrates, . . .186

Friday, . . . A. M. Prayer, 189

M. Alius Giving 192

P. M. God*s Omnipotence, . . . .194

Saturday, . . A. M. Death 198

M. Resurrection, 202

P. M. The Last Judgment, . . . 206

Hymn for Morning or Evening, 211

Shorter Prayers and Collects for a FamQy, with Psalnui of

Praise and Gratitude mk^/0

For the Incarnation, 225 /

For Advent and Epiphany, . . 226

For Christmas Day, 226

Circumcisiou, 227

For New- Year, . . . , 228

For Asli- Wednesday, • 229

For Good-Friday, , . 230

For Easter, 231

For Ascension, 231

For Whit-Sunday, 232

For Trinity-Sunday, . . , 233

For Commemoration of any of the Saints, .... 233

For Public Fast-day, 23 1

For Young Persons going out into the World, . • • , 230

When any Member of the Family is Sick, .... 236

For a Sick Child, . 237

For a Family in Affliction, ... , . . . 238

\Vhen liny MemlkT of the Family is gfone to Sea, . . . 238

Upon the Days the Lord's Supper is Administered, . . 239

CONTBNTS. Vii

When a Child has beta BaptJied, !40

Keiovcry froni Sickness nfjlnv Memlier of Iho Family, ". S40

Thniiksgiviug when a Kmnily liave broii Piusi-rvud from Danger, Ml

Tlianksf-iving for a Safu return from Sea, .... Ml

TliaiikdgtciDg fur the Remnvut ol Piatilence MS

TUE DIART,

Or a Ruk' (u Spend each Day Reli^oiuly US

Furth«r Inslruclicins for a Holy Life 864

Prayers lor Ihe Moming, ESS

ETening Prayer 26S

DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATK

Litany, SflS

A Prayer for Suiutay Uoming, VJt

" " " Sunday Evening, 271

" * " Hiinday Morning, !B8

" •• " Monday Evening, 2S8

" " " Tuesday Moming. 890

■■ ■ " Tuesday Evening, 893

" " ■ Wednesday Moming, !V8

■ " " Wednenlay Eveoing, SOL

" " " Thursday Homing, 806

" " " Thursday Evening 108

" " " Friilay Moming, . . . ; ... SIS

" " " Friday Evening, •■..., SIS

- •• " Saturday Morning, SiO

•> <i " Satarday Evening 8S8

OTHER DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES FOR PERSONS IN

PRIVATE.

HOBNINO PRAYER.

An Act of Adnrailon, 3!8

- " •' Thanksgiving 82V

" " " Oblation, or Presenting ouTselres to Qod for the Day, 880

- " " Repentance, 880

ThaPntyer. 881

An Aot of Intercession, 882

Prayer for Noon 88*

Evening Prayer, *W

Viii CONTENTS.

MorniDg Prayer, 840

Evening l^rayer, 845

Office for the Morning, 361

Other Ejaculations to be used as opportunity may offer, . 852

On Sunday, 854

An Act of Confession, 856

Prayer for Qrace, 859

Rules for Caution, and Obedience, ... * 860

PRAYER FOR NOOX.

An Act of Faith, 861

Evening Prayer, 863

Four Secret Ejaculations, « . 867

ACTS OF DEVOTION IN RELATION TO THE LORD'S

SUPPER.

A General Confession 369

A Prayer before the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, . . 875

A Prayer for Grace to Resign ourselves to God, . . . 378
Devout Ejaculations and Elevations of the ^oul before Receiving

at the Lord's Table, 380

Thanksgiving and Prayer after the Sacrament of the Lord's

Supper, 383

Borne Devout Ejaculations and Elevations of the Soul after

Receiving at the Lord s Table, 885

PRAYERS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE, UPON
SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

A Prayer for Power to Live by Faith upon Christ and the Di-
vine Promises, 889

A Prayer for Repentance 393

A Prayer for the Love of God, • . 395

A Prayer for the Fear of God, 397

A Prayer for the Increase of Grace 399

A Prayer for Purity, 401

A Prayer for one who is Preparing for Confirmation, . . 402

A Prayer after Confirmation, . . .... 403

A Prayer for the Divine Protection, 404

A Prayer after a Reliipse into Sin, 405

A Prayer for Temporal Blessings, 407

CONTENTS. IX

Page
A Prayer for Direction, Help, and Blessing, in any Difficnlt

Duty, ... 409

A Prayer for the Divine Disposal of us, 411

A Prayer before a Journey 412

A Pniyer uuder Losses and Disappointments in our Affiiirs, . 414

A Prayer under Doubts of the Lawfulness of any Action, . 415
A Prayer under Injuries and Reproaches, . . . .417

A I'rayer for a Meek and Quiet Spirit, 419

A Prayer for a Person in a State of Poverty, . . . .422

PUAYERS IN REFERENCE TO SOME OF THE
PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFE.

Tlic Husband's Prayer, 425

The Wife's Prayer 427

A Prayer for our Children, 428

A Prayer for our Parents, 429

A Child's Prayer, 480

A Prayer in behalf of Orphans, . . ' . . . 482

A Prayer in behalf of a Widow, . . . . " . . . 43S
A Prayer for the Afflicted, or with them upon the Death of

Friends, 434

A Prayer for tlie Conversion of a Sinner, to be used by a Friend, 488

Prayer of the Master of a Family, 440

Tlie Servant's Prayer • . . . 442

llie Msigistratc'H Prayer, 44S

A Clergyman's Prayer for himself, 445

Second IVayer for a Minister, ..*•.. 447 '

Tlii "d Prayer for a Clergyman, 463

Office for Societies for the Advancement of Christianity, to be

used cither during their Meetings, or at other seasons, . 467

AN OFFICE FOR THE SICK AND AFFLICTED.

A Prayer for a Sick Person, 469

Second Prayer for a Sick Person, 460

Tliird Prayer for a Sick Person, 461

A Prayer for Grace to Sanctify Afflictions, .... 462

An Act of Resii;nation 463

A Prayer to Ix^ said upon Taking Medicine, .... 466

A Prayer for the Grace of Repeutance, 465

A Prayer for the Pardon of Siii«, ..... 466

X CONTENTS.

Paft

H0I7 Resolution of AmendmeDt of Life, 468

A Prayer under Sad Accidents and Disasters fidling on the

Body 468

A Prayer for a Blind Man, . ! 470

A Prayer under Qrievous Pains, 47 1

A Prayer for the Stupified or Delirious, . . . . 472

A Prayer for a Sick Child, 473

A Prayer to be used by a Woman at any time pretious to her

Travail, 474

A Prayer when the time of Travail draws near, . . . 475
A Prayer for a Dying Man past hope of Recovery, . . .477

THANKSGIVINGS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE, ON

SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

IN ADDITION TO THOSX AT THX END OF THX FAMILY PRATERS.

Thanksgiving after a Safe Journey, 479

Thanksgiving for Preservation and Deliverance from Dangers

and Troubles 480.

A Thanksgiving for the beginning of a Recovery, . , .482
A Thanksgiving after Recovery from Sickness, . . . 483
A Thanksgiving to be used by a Woman after Travail, . .486

Thanksgiving for Tempotal Blessings, 487

Thanksgiving for Rain 488

Thanksgiving for Fair Weather, . . , . . . 488

Thanksgiving for Cessation of Pestilence, 488

. Thankpgivinn^ for Victory over our Enemies, • . . 489

A Prayer and Praise for a Converted Sinner, . , . .490

OAIiBNDAB.

JANUARY.

MORNING.

Day.]
1

5»t

Book.

Genesis.

Cxodus.

Chap

90
1

Ver»c.

3 to 16

EVENING.

Book.

2 Peter.

Luke.

Matthew.

to 10

to 19
to 22
to 20

to 35

to 15
to 18

Chap

Verse,

to 41

to 31
fir. 33
to 19
fi-.19

to 24
fr.24

to 24
fr.24
to 31
fr.31
to 22
fir. 22
fi-. 21

to 21
fi-.21
fi-.13

to 23
fi-.23
to 23

OAI.BITDAS.

FEBRUARY.

Day.

1
2
3
4
5

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
10
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
21)

MORNING.

Book. iChap

Exodus.

Leviticus.
Numbors.

9
10
11
12
14
15
10
17
18
19
20
23
32
34
40

9
10

3
11
11
12
14
14
16
16
17
18

Verae.

fr. 21
fir. 5

fr. 16
to 22
fr.20

to 15

to 12
to 17
to 24
fr.24

to 26
fr. 26
to 36
fr.36

EVENING.

Book.

Matthew.

Acts.

Chap

Verne.

fr.

fr.23

to 29
fi'.29
to 31
fr.31
to 30
36 to 57
fr. 57
to 32
fr.32

to 37
fr.37

to 34
fr.34

to 14
fr. 14

OAZSlfSAB.

■

MARCH.

1 MORNIiXG. EV:

ENING. 1

Day.

Book.

Chap

1
Vene. . ; Book.

Ch»p Xtnm.

I ;

Numbers.

;AcU.

118

1 ^

i 7

to 34

.10

DeuteroD.

to 19

fr.l9

to 26

fr.26

RonuLBS.

to26

Il4

to 25

fir. 25 to 43

to 22

1
I

fr.22

;20

1
1

jfr.l7

St. Mark.

1
1

.31

OAIAITOAB.

APRIL.

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.
1

Book.

Chftp

Vewe.

Book.

Cbftp

Ver»o.

DeuteroD.

St. Mark.

to 80

fir. 30

to 31

fr.31

Joshua.

to 30

fr.30

to 32

fr.32

to 28

fr.28

Judges.

fr.ll

to 32

fr. 32

to 33

fir. 33

to 25

fr.25

Ist Cor.

to 29

fir. 29

Ruth.

fi-. 17

CALENDAR.

MAY.

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.

Book.

Chap

Vewe.

Book.

Chap

Verse.

Ruth.

let Cor.

IstSam.

to 20

to 22

fr.20

fir. 27

to 29

fr.29

to 19

2d Cor.

to 24

fr. 24 to 47

to 30

il9

fr.30

Gal.

to 24

fi-.24

•

■26

2d Sam.

Eph.

to 24

OAUniBAB.

JUNE.

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.

Book.

Chap
18

VerM.

Book.

Chap

Verse.

2d Sam.

Phill.

to 31

to 24

Gollos.

1 Kings.

fr. 5

to 26

fr. 6

St Luke.

fr.46

to 22

to 25

fr. 22 to 62

fr.25

to 24

to 33

fr. 6

fr.33

to 27

fr. 27

to 27

fr. 17

fr.27

to 24

2 Kings.

fr. 24

to 37

fr. 37

to 37

fr.37

to 16

to 21

fr. 5

fr. 21

I Chron.

to 29

2 Chron.

fr.29

Ezra.

to 41

fr.41

OALBNSAB.

•

JULY.

1
1

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.

Book.

Chap

Verge.

Book.

Chap

VerM.

1 Ezra.

St. Luke.

to 18

fr. 18

Nehem.

to 18

fr. 19

to 20

fr.20

to 18

Esther.

.fr. 18

to 28

fr.28

to 27

•

to 35

fr.35

Job.

to 33

fr.33

to 28

fr.28

Ist Thes.

2d Thes.

25-6

1 Tim.

.^jjOO)***

CALBHDAB.

SEFTEHBER

MORNING.

EVENING

■Day

Book.

1
2

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Proverbs
Eccles.

Isaiah.

Chap

Vene.

to 21
to 25

to 24

to 17
to 23

to 22

1 Peter.

2 Peter

GoeJToIiD

to 15
fr. 14

9
10
11
11
12
12
13
14
15

to2»

to 31

fj. ki
to 41
fr.41
t#>31
fr.31
to 31
fr.31

to 47
fr.47
to 20
fr. 20

OAXENDAm.

l' KJKJLKIJJJJXlf' [|

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.

Book.

Chap

Verw.

Book.

Chap

Verao.

Isaiah.

Gos.John

to 17

2
3

41
42

16
17

fr.l7

to 19

fr. 19

to 23

fr.23

1 John.

•

2 John.

—

3 John.

—

Acts.

to 22

fr. 22

to 17

fr. 17

to 17

Jeremiah

to 30

to 31

fr.29

to 26

fr. 26

to 23

fr.23

to 24

OALBNBAB.

NOVEMBER.

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.
1

Book.

Chap

■

Verw.

Book.

Chap
10

Vene.

Jeremiah

Acts.

fr.24

to 20

to 33

to 14

to 15

fr.U

fr.lO

to 13

fr. 13

to 16

fr. 16

to 16

fr. 16

to 21

to 18

fr.21

Lamen.

to 17

fr. 22 to 51

fr. 17

Ezekiel.

to 27

fr.27

to 21

Daniel.

•

St. Jude.

—

Rev.

^^^

OALBNDAB.

DECEMBER.

MORNING.

EVENING.

Day.
1

Book.

Chap
7

Vene.

Book.

Chap
4

Vene.

Hosea.

Rev.

to 16

fr.9

Joel.

to 20

£r.21

Amos.

fr,4

Obadialu

— —

to 19

Jonah.

3&4

Micah.

Nahum.

Prov.

Habak.

Zephan.

Haggai.

Zechar.

Malachi.

ADDRESS

TO THB

HEADS OF FAMILIES

OtTR Saviour's words, " where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I.in the
midst of them," both contain an explicit and
gracious promise, and disclose a principle which
governs many of the divine proceedings towards
us. It appears that there is a peculiar manner in
which the Incomprehensible, Illimitable, Soul of
the universe, is present in certain places. And as
we may conceive that in his boundless dominion,
there is a presence chamber, where rays of his
glory and majesty are disclosed, to the adoration
of the heavenly hierarchy; as in the temple of
Solomon there was behind the veil, a most holy
sanctuary, where his presence was signally mani-
fested ; as he was revealed to Moses in a lambent
flame out of a bush, and to the Israelites in the
wilderness in the pillar of a cloud ; so, for similar
purposes of condescending mercy, does the Savionr

26 ADDRESS TO THB

Still promise to be, in a peculiar sense, present
with his people upon the earth. In all those cases
before named, the visible disclosure of his majesty
to the senses, was not the most important part of
the divine arrangement. There was a gracious
design thus indicated. And in the benefit of such
a design we now participate. The faith of a
martyr, and the rapt devotion of a seraph, when
only breathed out in the privacy of one's own
closet, can exert no direct hallowing influence
upon society, nor contribute to extend and exalt
Jehovah's moral dominion. While then with in-
finite tenderness and condescension, he meets with
us in our lonely walks, and communes with us in
a secret chamber, and acknowledges his presence
with the devout spirit every where, by a still, small
voice in the conscience, he has proclaimed that
public homage, united acts of worship, offerings
placed upon an altar, are not only peculiarly ac-
ceptable to him, but are entitled to the utmost
assurance of a gracious recompense. " If two of
you," said the Redeemer, ** shall agree on earth
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall V
done for them of my Father which is in heavei
To obtain this privilege, however, we must m<
in his name; having boldness of access to
mercy-seat only through his atonement ; expe
grace and bounty only through his interces
feeling in every approach to the throne c
Father, even with an offering of praise, tbr

HEADS OF FAMILIB8. 97

his office and mediation alone which can procure
for creatures so guilty an answer of peace. How-
ever small and obscure the number of worshippers
may be, who, with this reliance upon Christ as
their mediator, unitedly acknowledge his sove-
reignty, they possess «is solemn an assurance of
his presence in the midst of them, and of all the
privileges to be derived from it, as if they were
mingling in the great assembly before his altar.
Such is the foundation which a single promise
aSbrds for the exercises whose nature and import-
ance I am about to recommend. By social worship
God is most honored. And therefore to social
worship he has made peculiar promises.

Religion is the living, practical power of a
knowledge of God, exerted upon the heart and
conduct. But by Family Religion is commonly
intended, all the devout means usually employed
in a household, to disseminate and cherish that
power. Acnong these, the careful and judicious
exhibition of Christian principles, by the parent
and master, in the government of his own conduct,
is of great moment. For though the young and
ignorant may fail to discover the wisdom of some
sound maxims, and the beauty of some pure prin-
ciples, they never fail to detect and feel the absence
of consistency in their elders and superiors. They
may yield to authority, and admire the attainments
of age, and love the hand and the office which
provides for them : but they conform themidves 0 tk$

28 ADDRB88 TO TBB

examples that surround them. The fixed and uniform
habit of pointing out the moral bearing of passing
events, however trivial ; the discussion of Christitin
truths at proper seasons : and the familiar, inarti-
ficial allusion to them whenever occasion arises, or
may be created, as to matters always prominent
and interesting — this is another 'most important
branch of Family Religion. Nothing is more in-
defensible than the position that the sanctity of
religion is impaired by familiar discussion of its
truths. Every where it is our highest duty and
interest. Every where we are guilty, perishing
creatures. Every where God is present and scru-
tinizing the heart for judgment. And although
there are times and seasons peculiarly appropriate,
or otherwise, for every purpose, yet whatever
engagements, or society, would render conversation
on religious topics a desecration of them, implies
something criminal in the engagement. A scrupu-
lous observance in the household of the sanctity of
the Lord's day, and a quiet devotion of the evening
of it to closet and family worship ; with the firm
and conscientious exertion of all the authority which
our various relationships impart, to maintain in
every bosom a sense of accountability to God;
these belong also inseparably to the duty before us.
But the obligations upon which I would particularly
insist at this time, are those stated and formal
exercises, morning and evening prayer in a family,
accompanied whenever at all practicable, by the

HEADS OF FAMILIES. 29

reading of the Scripture; the invocation of a bless-
ing upon our meals, with a thankful acknowledg-
ment after them of God's good providence; the
instruction of children in the Catechism; and,
where circumstances will permit, the instruction
of servants in the principles of Christianity; to
these the promise of the Saviour literally applies.
And although they are quiet, unobtrusive duties,
attended in general with but litde excitement, the
satisfaction which they do aSbrd is pure, and the
benefit inestimable and lasting. And where they
fail, or seem for a season to have failed — as I
frankly acknowledge that the utmost diligence and
conscientiousness, through singular obstacles, some-
times will — they leave us, notwithstanding, the
most powerful mitigation of the trial, a cooscience
void of self-reproach. Exercises so comprehensive,
and which are to accompany us through every
period of life, from infancy to the grave, most be
attended with singular advantages. This point ij
worthy of candid and devout attention.

Our performance of such a duty coald ooc be
impaired without its effect being felt on the mofal
condition of society. May not the neglect of familj
religion, solve the problem, often proposed as a
perplexing one, to recoDcile a recent gr^at acgmeo-
tation of knowledge, and zeaU and instrrjcaet^u, ia
behalf of morals, with as obvkrtis aa iryrr'W.^^ :r.
this country, of vice, josobordinatiock, aod tjrv:£c:au
infidelity? In that early pttiud </ t2he wo?^ ti

80 ADDRBS8 TO THB

pnrest and happiest, when there was no magistrate,
no legislator, no collegiate chair, no priest, the
whole weight and exercise of every species of
office and authority concentred in the venerable
patriarchs of our race. Now such a period of
primitive simplicity and peace, God gives, or would
virtually give, to each individual among us, at an
age when the character is as pure and unsophisti-
cated as were mankind in the infancy of the world*
But it is a season of tremendous risk and peril.
For it is obvious, that if the individual, thus clothed
at the same moment, with every sacred responsi-
bility, should prove slothful, incompetent, or treach-
erous to his offspring, the detriment to the little
domestic community must be wide and lasting.
I cannot doubt that a mistaken, or unfaithful dis-
charge of the religious duties of the parent, is the
most prolific source of vice and wretchedness upon
the earth. Who will dispute, that if the foundation
be dispensed with, or carelessly laid, the moral
superstructure must be liable to be insecure and
perishable ? Who will dispute, that if the dis-
torted sapling be not trained and pruned by a
careful hand, its defects must, after a few summers,
be irremediable ? Who will deny, that if the human
heart, at any period of life, be not supplied with
principles and renewed impulses, which God in
his love and wisdom has desiraed and revealed for
us, the world, the flesh, and the devil, will take a
possession, and exert a transforming sway, which

HEADS OF FAMILIBS. 31

every holy agency may afterwards fail, or find it
difficult, to displace? And yet, plain as such
truths are, there are multitudes of good people,
who, night after night, will throng the various
places of Christian resort, while the little children,
at an age sacred in its simplicity and tenderness,
are left to be sometimes corrupted by servants;
trained — ^yes, trained and instructed — in supersti-
tion and fanaticism by nurses ; or, at the best, left
without that intellectual and moral development,
which naught so well as a parent's instinctive love
and wisdom can supply. It may be an easy and a
pleasant thing to lounge through an evening in an
assembly, where some topic of popular charity,
some vast and dazzling enterprise for the amelio-
ration of the nations of the globe, or some appeal
to the devout sensibilities of our own hearts, has
derived a new exciting power, from the brilliancy
of the scene. But on returning to the dull and
monotonous duties of home, (for so contrast will be
liable to make them appear,) it may be well calmly
to inquire whether all that entertainment necessarily
partakes of the character of religion ; and whether
the risk to the morals of children, to the faithfulness
and integrity of domestics, to the quiet enjoyments
of the parlor, and, as a consequence of such results,
whether the peril to the future prosperity of the
household, is well repaid by the indolent gratifica-
tion of listening to the itinerant harangues, which
the spirit and countless enterprises of the age, are

32 ADDEBSS TO THB

perpetually calling forth. We may hear sacred
lectures and appeals, until we forget that such is
not the work of salvation. We may hear lectures
and expositions of Scripture, until the ceaseless
stream of arguments, and metaphors, seems to have
carried away all the good soil from the heart,
leaving no depository for the seed of divine truth,
but a barren sand, which can return no fruit to the
husbandman. " Be ye doers of the word," said
our Lord, " and not hearers only, deceiving your
own souls."

There may be those present with whose previous
views of this particular point such observations
coincide ; and who may suppose that they have,
herein, a warrant and confirmation of hostility to
all such means of recommending and sustaining
Christian charities, and Christian worship. But
let it be remembered, that the objection urged, is
not generally against the objects and schemes to
be patronized, but to the abuse of the means of their
support : that if there be some alloy mingled with
the good eflects of these Christian associations,
the purpose is still a holy one, and, to a portion of
the community, the gratification often worthy and
appropriate. And, on the other hand, the amuse-
ments of the worldling, while fkcy involve all the
sacrifice of domestic duties, which absorbins: devo-
tion to religious and charitable associations could
occasion, are counterbalanced by none of its happy
influences upon the cause of virtue and benevolence.

HEADS OF FAMILIES. 33

Let the worldling remember, that if the sacred
claims of home, if the privileges and affections of
the Christian parlor and nursery, are too precious
to be made an offering upon the altar of an imposing
philanthropy, much less may they be immolated to
the demons, which under the guise of amusements
and games, insidiously frustrate the purposes of
God, and the purest enjoyments of man.

There are, however, some considerations which,
if duly weighed, would seem irresistible in urging
regard to family religion. It is an acceptable
homage to God. Other, more public, social acts of
devotion are also tributes to the glory of God ; but
they are subject to vicissitudes, to intermissions of
days, and sometimes weeks; and the little child,
and the aged man bowed down with infirmities
and years, are alike excluded from the sacred
privilege. But family worship is like the perpetual
incense which Aaron burnt upon the altar overlaid
with gold before the veil of the temple. For the
Lord had said, ** Aaron shall burn thereon sweet
incense every morning, and when he lighteth the
lamps at even, and it shall be a perpetual incense
before the Lord, and I will meet with thee there."*
Where can we find language to describe the moral
beauty of the spectacle, if a whole people, or a
thronged metropolis, or even some secluded hamlet,
were, from cverij dwelling, morning or evening, to

* Exodus xzx. 7, 8.
2*

84 ABBRBSS TO TUS

send up the voice of prayer and praise ? In looking
down upon a world so checkered with sorrows,
and changes, and disasters, and crimes, with what
delight would the angels of God fix their gaze upon
such a town, or hamlet, reposing in peace and
hope beneath the outspread wings of a special
providence; defended from many of the calamities
into which blind unbelief, or prodigal pleasure and
ambition, are sure to run ; and exhibiting upon the
earth an humble, but still animating illustration of
the ceaseless worship of the heavenly courts!
Which of you can be indifferent to the pleasure of
contributing to such a spectacle? Is not praise
the most ennobling as well as delightful of our
occupations while absent from heaven? Is not
prayer the key to all the priceless blessings in the
treasury of Jehovah ? Could the fountain of devout
gratitude be opened day by day in the hearts of a
whole household, without purifying and exalting
them in the scale of the intelligent creation, and
adding sensibly to the declarative glory of their
Author ?

But if there be any unmoved by the influence
of family religion upon the glory of God, its great
power to advance the best interests of society must
be acknowledged by all. It is a source of sub-
stantial confidence and satisfaction to the followers
of Christ, that they may uniformly appeal to the
experience of mankind at large, and to the honest
convictions and judgment of the most intelligent

HBADS OF FAMILIXS. Sft

men, for the wisdom of the principles and provisu>n8
of the Gospel. Now are there any present who
are willing to see the institutions of religion extir-
pated from society, of^festeemed merely as instru-
ments of human policy ? Are there any who would
have faith in Christ, and regard to a future state
of rewards and punishment, discarded from the
motives of all classes and ages ; and the rules of
conduct which we have in the Gospel, with its
guide to the affections, and its consolation in sorrow
and in death, all renounced, as a system of delusion
and fanaticism, while the whole mass of society
ivas left to the unrestrained development and giiid->
ance of their natural passions? I appeal to the
individual, whoever he may be, who feels that he
is at this time farthest from entering upon the
devout exercises that I am recommending, and
who would blush to be found upon his knees, with
his children around him, and Chnst — according to
his sure promise — in the midst, are you prepared
to take the consequences for a single twelvemonth^
of abolishing Sabbaths, rooting out the knowledge
of the Bible, and banishing worship and religion
from the public mind? Should we not speedily
return to |i condition worse than that of barbarians f
Now family religion is the basis of national morals
and religion. As the properties of the statelieft
tree, which, through the storms of a century, has
overshadowed the other children of the forest, were
notwithstanding once all shut up in the minota

36 ▲DDRESS TO THB

acorn, and then developed to the microscopic eye
in a tender germ, so all government, and all fear,
and all love, and all the means of nurturing, and
strengthening, and ripenings for immortality, are
comprehended in the discipline and exercises of a
Christian household. Here the originally impetuous
character must be taught to distrust its own first
convictions; to subject its will to the law of another;
to secure its most important interests by the com-
promise which takes care of the interests of others ;
to recognize grades and stations in the world ; and
to cherish that spirit of subordination which is
essential to the peace and security of communities
and nations. This is the training which is indis-
pensable, under most circumstances, to make a
good citizen. And if religion be thus necessary, it
is obligatory upon all. As justly might one man
require, or expect it of his neighbors, to pay his
taxes for him, or to render for him any other duty
which he owes to the protection and support of
government, as to require that they should be
careful in rearing their young in principles of sub-
ordination and true patriotism, while he may allow
his own household to grow up pests and scourges
in society. There is no resting place for a consistent
rational man, who would not have the knowledge
and worship of Almighty God banished from the
land, short of setting up, under his own roof, an
altar, and a daily sacrifice there. And there can
be no positive diiiiculty in the discharge of the

HEADS OF FAMUJBS. 37

duty, for almost every street in every town can
supply volumes of devotion and instruction in
ample variely.

But, lastly, if there be any one equally devoid
of concern for the glory of God, and for the well-
being of society, can there be any dead to the
appeal which the dependence of his own children,
and their unformed character, and their whole
future destiny yet in his hands, make to him, thus
to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord! Your own experience must long since
have taught you, that after all that can be purchased
by toil and ambition, true happiness depends not
upon professional success, however brilliant; is
not to be found abroad in intercourse with a world,
selfish, heartless, and ostentatious;, nor in the more
attractive amusements, which, changing with chang-
ing seasons, that world can afibrd ; but must be
looked for, and attained, if at all, in the society,
and uniform habits, and amiable tempers, of a
well ordered Christian family. And can there be
any means more mighty, to bind together the
aflcctions of brethren and sisters, of parents and
children, and to fill every heart in the sacred circle
with a never dying love of each other, and of hoff;e,
than this daily renewal at the fcx)tslool of Jehovah,
of their united vows and praj'ers? Must not the
act of social worship impose, throughout the hoij-<;-
hold, a restraint upon evil tempers and h^ihiUf,
which solitary devotion might fail to pro luce f

3S ADDRSaS TO TUS

Must not your sympathy in their work of salvation,
animate and fortify them? Can there be any
thing more calculated to transmit to the succeeding
generation principles of virtue, which may thus
secure to your children's children the rewards of
faith?

Let not the gentleness of childhood combine
with parental tenderness to deceive you, in regard
to the necessity of such means. There is no circle
so secluded that the enemy of God and man may
not enter in; no young heart so pure that it may
not be contaminated ; no natural principles so
sound that they may not be warped by the example,
and vicissitudes, and trials of the world. And
looking upon your offspring in all the freshness,
and purity, and gladness, of infancy, ask yourself,
where is the wretchedness, and guilt, so dark, and
desperate, and abandoned, that they may not sink
into it, unless they are made the adopted children
of God, and early trained in his love, and faith,
and fear? What know you of the vicissitudes and
trials of principles which may attend their future
path ? Mark, as a wholesome study and admoni-
tion, the characters and habits of such young persons
as appear to you threatened with dishonor and
ruin. Imagine for a moment such to be eventually
the description of your own offspring. See them
vain, idle, dishonest, profligate, or victims of the
diabolical arts of the gaming table. What could
compensate you for such a calamity? Should you

HEADS OP PAUlhSSS. 39

once realize the existence of such sorrows, where is
the estate so vast, what are the personal privileges
so valuable, that you would not gladly sacrifice
them all for the redemption of your child from
threatened ruin? Out of the abodes of eternal
despair, can there be any anguish so insupportable,
as a parent's secret conviction that the ruin of his
child was the result of his own negligence, impiety,
and sloth? * What can you do, most effectually, to
defend at the same time, your own soul from this
unavailing bitterness, and your children from the
destructive snares of their own hearts and of the
world ? Bestow upon them the privileges and the
consolations of Family Religion. You have the
promise of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, that if
you bring them together in his name, he will be in
the midst of them. Day by day does the Son of
God solemnly propose to meet your assembled
household ; night after night to sprinkle their con-
sciences, stained perhaps by the sinful vanities and
passions of the world, with his atoning blood;
morning after morning to renew their virtuous
principles, to guide their fallible judgments, to
ripen them more and more for his glory. And will
you. Oh rash parent! Oh, soul, heedless of all the
appeals of a fast coming eternity, will you assume
the awful responsibility of denying yx)ur children
this stated daily meeting, with their God and
Saviour? Will you send them abroad into the
world, to encounter perils, to employ talents, to

40 ADDRBS8 TO THB

contend with lusts, and foes, and sorrows, and
spirits accursed, without the seal on their foreheads,
the hallowing love in their hearts, the guide for
their steps, the helmet for their heads, which Christ
would bestow upon them ? They can pray, you
may reply, without your aid, and in their own
chamber. But, if not encouraged by j'our example,
have you reason to believe that they will? If
sanctioned by your real or apparent neglect, is it
not almost certain that they will not? They owe
to you the life which may prove an everlasting curse.
Shall they not owe to you, also, the knowledge of
a crucified Saviour, acquaintance with the words of
eternal life, the nursing and training for immortalky ?
Oh, Christian reader, they should be powerful
arguments, mighty obstacles, to tempt you to dis-
card all the benefits which would flow to your
offspring from the exercises of Family Religion.
But if I have failed to prevail with your under-
standing or conscience; if notwithstanding all that
can be urged, that duty is to be neglected, strive
to provide yourself now with some plea or refuge
for the hour of retribution, which may not be far off*.
Im.igine now what that plea will be. ** It costs too
much lime, and trouble, and feeling," some reply,
** to persevere in such a duty." And can a few
minutes, morning and evening, be too great a price,
at which to invite Christ into your litilo assembly,
when you are proud to invite the world there, the
heartless, deriding, thankless, though flattering

HBADS OF FAMZLIXSL 41

world ; to inrite theni at the expend of ease, aad
gold, and many precioas hours ? At what a phce
do you procure for them all ihe vaia a^rcoziplisii-
ments of the world? And is the cos: of ti:ae iiid
care only too great when it w3j1 J enzi^e for izr^zj
all the benelits which In^nite Lo\-e co-li t>rs:>T?
Can the cost be loo much, that yoj may I>e eiiabiel
to say, by and by, as their characters are dere>»p-
ing, I thank God for my children — I liiai^ G>J
for what they are, in their reverentiai teadenifrss
for me : and for what thev are in societr ax^i to
their fellow-men! Can it cost too mach to be
warranted now in sa^'ing, I thank God for whai 1
have reason to believe they will be under dw
changeless doom of the tribunal of Jesus Christ !
Reader, should any one of the little flock perish,
through your reluctance to consume some time,
and incur some trouble in their behalf, count the
cost of your consternation and despair, when
you shall meet that impenitent child at the bar of
God, an everlasting outcast from his love — al>ojt
to be branded with his sentence of exterminating
wrath.

Take care so to live with them, and so to pray
for them, that gcuhering together once more in that
fearful hour, from the East and from the West,
wherever their destinies have carried them, you
maj^ find Christ, your Saviour, still in the midst of
you, although then disclosed in all the majesty of
his throne. Then might you almost forget for a

ADBRBSS TO THE HEADS OF FAMILIB8.

moment, the ecstasy of your own redemption, in
hearing HIM say to each one of them, from that
throne, " well done, good and faithful senr'ant ;
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER.

Almighty and most holy^od, before whom the heavens
which thou hast stretched out are not clean, and who dost
humble thyself to accept the offering of all the blessed spirits
which continually worship there, what can I bring into thy
most awful presence ? Thou knowest not only my wants,
but my unworthiness and guilt ; and the backwardness of
my spirit to engage in these offices of prayer and praise is
not hidden from thee. There is no life. for my soul, unless
it be united to Christ, to whom I cannot come except thou
draw me : but thy promise is, whosoever cometh, I will in
no wise cast out. 0 draw me then, most gracious Father,
though I am far off, by the powerful influences of thy Holy
Spirit ; and unworthy as I am, accept me who would cast
myself at the foot of thy mercy-seat. Give me such appre-
hensions of thy presence and observation, thy goodness and
greatness, that my wandering thoughts may be fixed, my
cold affections inflamed, my faith and hope invigorated,
when I approach thee with the tribute of thanksgiving and
praise. When I pray for temporal blessings and deliverances,
may it be with an humble and submissive temper: and
when for spiritual graces, I am wrestling with the angel of
the covenaat, may it be the language of my faith, I will not
let thee go except thou bless me. Inspire me now with a
deep veneration of thy majesty, of thine infinite perfections,
of thy wonderful dispensations of old, and chasten my fear
with an humble trust in thy promises. And while on earth
I bow down in thy holy worship, do thou, 0 Lamb of God,
seated at the right hand of the Father, by thy mighty
intercession, through thy precious blood shed<ling, obtain for
me an answer of mercy, the supply of my wants, and the life
of my soul, now and for evermore. Amen.

Ed.

COLLECTS

WHICH MAT BE ADDED TO EITHER OF THE PRATERS FOR NOOIf
IF THE READER MHUULD PREFER TO USE IT AS A MORNING
OR EVENING PRAYER.

FOR THE MORNING.

O God, our heavenly Father, who hast brought us
safely to the beginning of this day, defend us in
the same by thy mighty power, and grant that this
day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind
of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered
by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

OR THIS :

O Lord, we humbly commend ourselves, and all
that we love, or care for, to thy divine protection
and blessing. Let thy gracious providence go with
us, and defend us in all the transactions of the day,
and let thy Holy Spirit guide, console, strengthen,
and sanctify us; that our thoughts, words, and
actions, may be acceptable in thy sight, through
the merits and mediation of thy Son.

FOR THE EVENING.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, by whose almighty
power we have been preserved this day, by ihy
great mercy defend us, from all perils and dangers
of this night, and refresh our bodies with sleep,
and our souls with the graces and consolations of
thy Holy Spirit, for the love of thy only Son, our
Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

C0U.B0T8.

OR THIS :

Wb beseech thee, O heavenly Father, to whom
we owe all our past comforts and privileges, to
continue thy gracious protection to us this night.
Defend us from all dangers and calamities, and
from the fear of them ; and granl that we may
enjoy such healthful and refreshing sleep as may
fit us for the duties of the following day, and for
the renewed enjoyment of thy mercies, through the
merits of thy Son.

FAMILY PRAYERS.

FIRST WEEK.

0nn2ras iKorning.

Psalm xxt. 10. — All the paths of the Lord are mercy and
truth, unto such as keep his covenant and his testimoniet.
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he
will show them his covenant.

Eph. i. 3. — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ. According as he hath chosen
us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should
be holy, and without blame before him in love.

Psalm Ixxxiv. 4. — Blessed are they that dwell in thy
house : they will be still praising thee. For a day in thy
courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-
keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the teats
of wickedness. For the Lord is a sun and a shield : he wiU
give grace and glory: and' no good thing will he withhold
from them that walk uprightly.

Isaiah Ivi. 7. — ^Them will I bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer : their burnt*
oflferings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine
altar; for my house shall be called an house of prayer for all
people.

48 FIRST WEEK. -

Isaiah lii. 7. — ^How beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace,
that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation,
that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. Thy watchmen
shall lift up the voice, with the voice together shall they
sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall
Itfing again Zion.

Psalm xcii. 13. — ^Those that be planted in the house of
the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalm xcv. 6. 0 come, let us worship, and fall down,
and kneel before the Lord our Maker : For he is the Lord
our €rod; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep
of his hand.

Glort be unto thee, O Father Almighty, through
whose mercy the day-spring from on high hath
again visited us, and the light of another Sabbath
hath dawned upon our souls. What thanks and
praise are due unto thee for calling off our thoughts
and pursuits from this vain world, and for setting
before us a happier and a better ! Our song shall
be always of thy loving-kindness, O Lord, and
with our mouth we will daily show forth thy
praise. We adore thy wisdom and power in the
things thou hast made, and we acknowledge our
dependence upon thee, and thy great goodness
and bounty to us, and to all the world. We bless
thee that thou didst so love the world, as to send
thy Son Jesus Christ to redeem it. And we humbly
thank thee for the graces and consolations of the
Holy Ghost, the Comforter. All tlianks, and praise,
and worship, be given to God the Father who

8UNDAT MORNING. 49

created us, to Jesus Christ who redeemed nSy and
to the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth us.

We look up unto thee, O Lord, from whom all
good things do come ; for thy blessing on this .day,
which thou hast hallowed for thyself. Grant that
It may be a season of refreshing from thy presence;
a day of merciful visitation to our souls. Shut out
from our minds all worldly cares and thoughts;
and fill us with all holy desires and meditations.
Bless us, O Lord, with all spiritual blessings in
Jesus Christ : bless us, we pray thee, in turning
away every one of us from our iniquities. Wash
us in the fountain of that blood which cleanseth
from all sin. Clothe us with that robe of righte-
ousness, which is, by faith of Jesus Christ, upon
all them that believe.

Prepare us for the various duties which are now
before us. Sanctify unto us thy appointed means
of grace. Send out thy light and thy truth : let
ihem lead us to thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacle.
Thither may we go with joyful feel ; waiting for thy
loving-kindness in the midst of thy temple ; joining
thy people in the praise that awaiteth thee there ;
praying unto thee in the Spirit; hearing and receiv-
ing thy word; and faithfully performing our vows.
So may we give unto thee the honor that is due
unto thy name, and worship before thee with holy
worship. And wilt thou, O Lord, hear the voice of
our humble petitions, when we cry unto thee, and
lift up our hands towards thy mercy-seat.

50 FIRST WBEK.

Grant that we may improve not only the ordin-
ances of thy lemple, but every oilier advantage of
this sacred day, to the purpose for which thou hast
vouchsafed it. Help us carefully to examine our
hearts and our ways, to search thy Scriptures, to
meditate on thy glorious perfections, to talk of all
thy wondrous works, and to prepare ourselves for
thy everlasting kingdom.

[Ilere may be uied a Collect for aay Fettival, or particnlcr oceaaloa, of ■
pnblic or domettie nature.]

Shed abroad abundantly thy heavenly grace
on all congregations of Christians; particularly on
that which shall assemble with us in the same
house of prayer. Awaken the careless ; bind up the
broken-hearted ; strengthen the weak ; and build
up all thy servants in their most holy faith. And,
since thou hast promised to be with thy mi r storing
servants alwavs, even unto the end of the world,
we beseech thee plenteously to cntlue with heavenly
gifts such as shall stand up in thy name this day ;
particularly him who is appointed to declare thy
counsel unto us. May they preach with all earn-
estness, as those who stand between the living and
the dead, and watch for souls, as they that must
give account. Remember for good as many as
through sickness, or other impediment, may be
unable to attend the ordinances of thy house.
Cause such as draw nigh unto thee with their lips,
while their heart is far from thee, to feel thnt thou

SUNDAY NOON. 61

regardest their prayers as an insult and provocation.
Look in mercy upon all who have hitherto neglected
thy Sabbaths. Teach them so to redeero the time
which they have lost, that they may be numbered
among thy true people. And grant that every
return of this hallowed clay may be the means of
furthering thy glory, and the everlasting salvation
of the souls of men, through Jesus Christ, our only
Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

LuKK iv. 8 — Thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and
►him only shall thou serve.

Psalm xxii. 27. — All the ends of the earth slmll remember,
and turn unto thet Lord ; and all the kindreds of the nations
shall worship before him.

Psalm Ixxii. 8. — He shall have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Yea, all kings
shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. His
name shall endure for ever; his name shall be continued as
long as the sun; and all nations shall call him blessed.

Psalm ex. 3. — Thy people shall be willing in the day of
thy power.

Hkb. i. 6. — \Mien he, (the Father,) bringeth in the first
begotten into the world he saith. Let all the angels of God
worship him. But unto the Son he saith. Thy throne, 0
God, is for ever and ever.

52 FIRST WBBK.

Isaiah xIt. 21. — ^There is no God else betide me; a Just
God and a Saviour. Look unto me and be ye saved, all the
ends of the earth : for I am Goil, and there is none else. I
havn sworn by myself, the word has gone out of my raouth
in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every
knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Phil. ii. 10. — At the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things
under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Rev. vii. 9. — Af\er this I beheld, and lo, a great multitodei
which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds,
and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before
the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in theiH
hands ;

10. — And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to
our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Rev. v. 11. — And I heapl the voice of mauy angels round
about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders; and the
number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and
thousanils of thousan'ls :

12. — Saymg with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain to receive powor, and riche.^i, and wisdom, and
strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

13. — And every creature which is in heaven, and on the
earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and
all that are in them, heard [ saying, Blessinir, and honor,
and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.

Prater for Sl'Ndat Noon, or «ny intermediate time of the day, when the
family, or any two or throe mffmbsri of it, would engage iu devotion.

O MOST blessed and gracious Lord our God, whose
Almighty hand has brought us out of nothing, to
what we are, to see the light, and enjoy the com-
forts of life; and whose free grace has called us

SUNDAY NOON. 68

ont of a state worse than nothing to the hope of
thy glory; — we bless thy name, that thou hast
conducted us safely through all the events and
trials in our hves, to enjoy the privileges of this
day ; and that we have yet a day of grace wherein
to see the things belonging to our peace. We
bless thee that, consulting the good of our souls, as
well as the glory of thy name, thou hast set apart
this day for holy uses, to engage us to a solemn
attendance upon the Lord. We bless thee that
.thou hast given us an understanding to know thee,
and a heart to love thee ; that we are capable of
waiting upon thee in the duties of thy worship
here, and of enjoying thy eternal glory and felicity
hereafter. We blessithee for all opportunities and
advantages which we have in working out our
salvation; for thy word and sacraments; for the
ministry of reconciliation ; and for all other means
of grace, and helps heaven-ward. But, above all,
we bless Thee, we praise Thee, we worship Thee,
for the gift of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

O Lord, look down from heaven, the habitation
of thy holiness, and behold with pity the remnant
of thy heritage, who are yet upon our warfare and
pilgrimage in this evil world. We are beset with
many and mighty enemies of our souls, and groaning
for deliverance from the bondage of corruption,
that we may be brought into the glorious liberty
of the children of God. How much higher might
we have been in grace, and thy tdtvor; bow much

54 FIRST WBBK.

nearer to thee our God, and fitter for thy kingdom,
had we faiihfully im{)roved those seasons and
means of grace, which thou hast been pleased to
afford us. But we have been cruel to our own
souls, as well as rebeUious against our Lord ;
many times frustrating the opportunities of appear-
ing before thee; jind shunning and neglecting the
duties of thy holy service. And when we have
consented to seek thy face, it has been with such
coldness and distractions, that thou mightest justly
reject our homage, and withhold the graces without
which we must perish. O leave us not to the
dulness and hardness, the vanity and deceitfulness
of our depraved hearts : but show the power of thy
grace, to bring and keep them in such a holy frame,
that we may be filter to attend upon thee, and may
enjoy more of that heavenly communion, of which
thou hast made us capable. O forgive our iniquities
that separate between thee and our souls ; and
remember not the sins against us, which may justly
provoke thee to hide thy face from us. But accord-
ing to thy mercy, remember thou us, O Lord, and
accept us, and our imperfect services, for the sake
of Jesus Christ.

Oh God, who searchest the heart, let us not
serve thee of constraint, as if it were an irksome
task; nor in formality and hypocrisy* to be esteemed
righteous before men. Snfier us not to rest in any
forms of godliness, denying the power thereof;
nor take up with the name and profession of Chris-

SUNDAY NOOX. 55

tianity, but be swayed with its life, and power,
and spirit : that the Gospel of our Lord, and the
graces of the good Spirit of God, may shine forth
in our lives, to the glory of our heavenly Father,
and to the adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour
in all things. May we occupy ourselves in exercises
suited to the holy season, and not profane it to any
vicious or vain purpose. But on the Lord's day,
may we abound in the work of the Lord; and not
do our own work, nor find our own pleasure, nor
speak our own words ; resting not only from all
einful ways, but also from our common labors;
and so delighting ourselves in the Lord, that thou
mayest give, us the desires of our hearts.

fHcro may he used a Collect for any Festival, or particaUr occasion, of a
public or domestic nature]

Bless us, our Father, and command a blessing
upon all our pious designs and performances; and
prosper the work of thy servants whom thou hast
appointed to bless in thy name, and to break the
bread of life; that thej' may speak thy word as they
ought to speak, and give to every one his portion
in due season. And grant. Lord, unto all the
hearers of thy holy word, humble and teachable
spirits, to receive thy truth in meekness, and in
the love of it, so as to profit and grow by it. O do
ihou remove all" the hindrances of our spiritual
growth and improvement, that thy word may have
free course, and be glorified among us. Make it

56 FIRST WBBK.

the power of Gocl, to our conviction» ediEcation,
and comfort. O thou, that speakest to the heart and
givest the increase, open our understandings to
receive thy truth, botli in the light, and in the love
of it* May we so make it the rule of our lifey that
it may also be the ground of our hope, that we
may have joy and peace in believing; we being not
forgetful hearers, but faithful doers of thy word.

And let thy grace and blessing, thy love and
fellowship, thy direction and assistance, O heavenly
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us, and with
all for whom we ought to beg thy mercy in our
prayers, now and for evermore. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

Snnbavi <St>tnm%.

John v. 39. — Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think
ye have eternal life : anil they are they which testify of me.

Rom. ix. 5. — Christ who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Amen.

Rev. i. 8. — ^I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the ending, sailh the Lord, which is, and which was, and
which is to come, the Almiijliiv.

Rev. xxi. 6. — I will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life fretrly. He that ovorcoraeth
shall inherit all things ; and I will be his God, and he shall
be my son.

SUNDAY BVBNING. 67

1 Tim. iti. 16. — And without controversy, great is the
mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified
in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up into glory.

IsAUH ix. 6. — ^Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given : and the government shall be upon his shoulders : and
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty
God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Matt. i. 23, — And they shall call his name Emmanuel;
which being interpreted, is, God with us.

Titus i. 3. — According to the commandment of God our
Saviour. — (Acts xx. 23.) Feed the Church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood.

Col. i. 16. — By him (Christ) were all things created, that
are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers ; all things were created by him, and for him.

Hbb. iii. 4. — For every house is builded by some man;
but he that built all things is God.

John i. 1. — ^The Word was God.

Col. ii. 9. — ^For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the
Godhead bodily.

Heb. xiii. 8. — Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day,
and forever.

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have

mercy, and to forgive, receive our humble petitions.

Our sins are all naked and open unto thee ; the sins

of which our own hearts condemn us; and the sins

which we may have forgotten, but which thou,

who art greater than our hearts, and knowest all

things, seest that we have committed against thee.

We cannot deny or justify our transgressions, they

are so many and so great ; and we tremble through

fear of them, and are afraid to lift up our eyes to

08 FIRST WEBK.

the throne of ihy glory. Especially we entreat thy
fatherly forgivcmcss of nil which thou hast jseen
amiss in us this Jay. Pardon us, good Lord, that
wc have not worshipped thee, served thee, or
obeyed thee, with suitable reverence and devotion.
Forgive the wanderings of our minds, the coldness
of our hearts, and the unprofitableness of our best
services ; and deal with us, not according to our
merits, but Jiccording to thy rich mercy. Think
on thy promises, and ii|K)n thy loving-kindnesses
which have been ever of old. Through the blood
of thy beloved Son grant unto us pardon and peace;
that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and
may serve thee wiih a (piiel mind.

S.ive us, merciful God, from the guilt of abusing
o«jr privih^ges. Cherish by thy Holy Spirit, and
gracious Providence, every good desire, and holy
resolution that mny have been awakened in us this
day. r^ulIiT us not to forget the instructions of thy
word, nor resist the strivings of thy grace; but may
thy blessing so rest upon the seed sown in our
hearts, that it may bring forth abundantly.

Teach us not to seek our happiness in the
things of this vain world : but do thou, O God,
from whom all holv desires, all "ood counsels, and
all jusl works proceed, give unto thy servants that
peace which the world cannot give: that our hearts
may be set to obey thy commandments; and, also,
that, by thee, we, being defended from the fear of
our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quiet-

StTNDAlr EVBNINO. 69

ness. Be thou, O Lord, our portion and inheritance
in the land of the living. Show us thy marvellous
loving-kindness, thou that art the Saviour of them
that trust in thee. Show us the path of life; make
plain thy way before our face ; and bring us, at
last, to thy presence, where there is fulness of joy,
and to thy right hand, where there are pleasures
for evermore.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to accept our thanks for
all the bounties of thy providence and gracS. We
bless thee for casting our lot in a land where the
darkness is past, and the true light now shineth,
and also for the peace and protection which we
enjoy in this favored land. We glorify thy name
for nourishing us, and bringing us up in a Church
which is built on the foundation of the apostles
and the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the
chief corner-stone. We bless thee for the many
advantages aflTorded us on the day which is past ;
for thy house of prayer; for thy appointed ministers;
for thy holy word and sacraments ; and for all other
means of grace and salvation. We ihank thee for
food and raiment; for health and strength ; for kind
friends and benefactors ; for peace and protection
by day, and for rest and safety by night-; and for
all the comforts and conveniences of life. Above
all, we praise thee for the gift of thy Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord, and for the hope of salvation
through his blood. And we entreat thee. Almighty
God, to grant us perfectly to know him to be the

60 FIBST WEEK.

way, the trulht and the life ; that, uadcr the guid-
ance of thy Holy Spirit, we may steadfastly walk
in the path that leadeth unto life cternaL

We farther beseech thee, O Father Almighty,
to open the cars of thy compassion to our supplica-
tions for others. Mercifully look upon the universal
Church, which thou hast purchased to thyself with
the precious blood of thy dear Son. We pray for
all to whom thou hast committed the message of
reconciliation. May those who are appointed to
teach others be themselves taught of thee^ Qualify
them, in all things, for the work to which thou
hast called them; that they maybe able, by sound
doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gain-
sayers, and to comfort and edify thy believing
people. Look, with compassion, on such as have
neglected thy ordinances, and profaned thy holy day.
Lord, turn them from the error of their ways; and
give them repentance unto salvation. Grant that
those who have waited on thee devoutly may
renew their strength, and be prepared to run, with
increased earnestness, the race that is set before
them.

To thy gracious care and protection we com-
mend ourselves and all who are dear unto us this
night. Preserve us, both outwardly in our bodies,
from temporal evils, and, inwardly in our souls,
from our si)irituul foes. Give unto us peaceful and
refreshing sleep; and grant that we may awake in
the morning, strengthened both in body and soul

SUNDAY EVENING.

for the various duties of the week. And, when our
eyes shall be closed in the darkness of the grave,
may we rest in Jesus, and in the last day, be
raised from the dead, to die no more, and be made
like unto the angels, being thy children, O God,
and the children of the resurrection.

O thou, who hearest and answerest prayer,
hear us in these our humble petitions for ourselves
and others ; and grant us an answer of peace, for
the love of thy only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ*
Amen*

Our Father, &c.

lEIonbas Alorning.

PtALM xci. 1. — ^He that dwelleth in the secret place of the
Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord he is my refage and my fortress ; my
God, in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust : His truth shall be thy
shield and buckler. There shall no evil befall thee, neither
shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Psalm cxxi. 1. — I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the
Lord, which made heaven and earth. Behold, he that keepeth
Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy
keeper. The Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand. The
sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The
Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; he shall preserve thy
soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming
in, from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm xxxvii. 3. — Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt
thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Matt. vi. 26. — Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow
not, neither do they reap, nor gather into bams ; yet your
heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than
they.

Matt. vi. 26. — ^I say unto you. Take no thought for your
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for
your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than
meat, and the body than raiment ? Wherefore, if God so
clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, ami to-morrow
is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, 0
ye of little faith ? Therefore take no thought, saying. What
shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or. Wherewithal
shall we bo clothed? For your heavenly Father knoweth
Chat ye have need of all these things.

MONDAY MORNtKO. 63

O God, who hast added to the number of our
days; and hast opened our eyes to behold the light
of another morning, we beseech thee still to look
upon us, and to bless us : show us the light of thy
countenance, and be merciful unto us.

Our voice shalt thou hear, O Lord, every morn-
ing; for every morning thy mercies towards us
are renewed : great is thy faithfulness and truth.

While many, during the past night, have slept
the sleep of death, and shall awake no more till
the resurrection in the last day, and many, like
their Lord and Master, have not found where to
lay their heads, Lord, what are we, that thou
shouldst be so mindful of us, and so gracious unto
us, in saving our life from destruction, and crowning
us with loving-kindness and tender mercies! We
confess that thou art the Lord by whom alone we
have escaped death. And we beseech thee to
grant, that, with our restored strength and capaci-
ties, we may give up ourselves afresh to thy service.
Stir us up to self-examination and reflection, to
watchfulness and prayer. Break through our habits
of spiritual sloth and negligence; and teach us the
due value of time, while yet we are able to improve '
it. And we earnestly pray thee, heavenly Father,
in whose hands are the issues of life and death, to
spare our lives, till the work is finished which thou
hast given us to do.

As we enter again upon a world whose princi-
ples and fashions are enemies to godliness, grant,

64 FIRST WBXX.

Lord, that we may carry with U8» through the
influence of thy Gospel, holier desires, and firmer
resolutions. With this new week (or new year^)
help us to begin a new life. May the faith of our
crucified Lord govern all our undertakings, and
sanctify all our affections. Thus may we live
above the world ; and converse and act, in all the
relations of life, with a heavenly mind. And while
we live in thy holy fear, may we enjoy thy gracious
protection. Cover us with the shadow of thy
paternal wings : hold us in the hollow of thine
Almighty hand, that no evil may come nigh to hurt
our bodies or our souls. Keep us mindful of our
past infirmities, and of those snares and temptations
which have so often caused us to wound our con-
science, and grieve thy Holy Spirit. And enable
us more carefully to guard our eyes, our thoughts,
and lips, lest we should displease thee. Root out
of our hearts every unholy passion and propensity;
and establish in us, more and more, the dominion
of our Lord Jesus Christ. Using this world as
not abusing it, and strengthening our hearts with
thy holy ordinances, may we daily attain a greater
conformity lo the spirit of the Gospel, and come
nearer to thy blessed kingdom. Enable us to fight
manfully the fight of failh ; and to endure hardness,
as good soldiers of Christ Jesus. Clothe us with
thy whole armor, O Lord our God.

[Here introduce any appropriate occa*ional Praycr.J

MONDAY MORNDTO. 6ff

We beseech thee, Almighty Lord, who seest
that we put not our trust m any thing that we do,
mercifully to grant, that, by thy power, we may
be defended against all adversity. We look up
unio thee for guidance, preservation, and strength.
Lead us in the paths of righteousness for thy truth's
sake. Keep us in the way in which we should go,
and guide us with thine eye. Give unto us eternal
life ; and let us never perish ; neither let any one
pluck us out of thy hand. And while we are
diligently employed in our several stations, deliver
us from all sinful anxiety about the affairs of this
present life. May we be careful for nothing ; but
in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, make our requests known unto thee.
Let thy loving-kindness and mercy follow us all
the days of our life. When we pass through the
valley of the shadow of death, be thou still with
us. Let thy rod and staff* comfort and support us.
And graciously receive us at the last into thy
heavenly fold ; there, with thy people and the
sheep of thy pasture, to give thee thanks for ever,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

fllont^aT) Noon.

1 Cor. xiii. 1. — Thouijh I speak with the tongues of mea
anJ of aiiy:i*l8. ami have iiol charity, I am become as sounding^
brass, or a tinklini^ cymbal. And though I have the gift of
prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge;
and th()i];;h J liave all faith, so that I could remove mouQtainv,
and have not cliarity, I am nothing. And though I bestow
all my iroods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to
bo burned, and have not charily, it profitelh me nothing.
Charity suflfereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave
itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil ; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceih in
the truth; beareth all things, belicvcth all things, hopeth all
thincTS, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. And
now abideth, faith, hope, charity, these three ; but the greatest
of these is charity.

1 Tim. i. 5. — The end gf tho commandment is charity,
out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith
unfeigned.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Blorniuf or Erenin^.]

O Lord, tho blessed God of our salvation, who art
the hope of all the ends of the earth, upon whom
the ey(»s of all do wail ; for thou givest unto all
life, and breath, and all Illinois; in thee we live,
and move, and are; and upon thec^ we continnallv
depend for all tht; good lliit ever we have, or hope
for. Wc thank ihee for the assurance of thv word,
that if we comnrjit our affairs to thee, and acknow-

MONDAY NOON. 67

ledge thee in all our ways, thou wilt establish our
thoughts, and direct our path. And therefore we
desire, O Lord, still to put ourselves under thy
gracious conduct, and thy fatherly protection ; we
beg the guidance, and blessing, and assistance, of
ihy good Spirit; to choose our inheritance for us;
and to dispose of us, and all that concerns us, to
the glory of thy name.

O Lord, withdraw not thy mercies, nor the
comforts of thy presence, nor the assistance of thy
Spirit, through our great contempt and manifold
abuses of such grace. Punish not our past sins,
by giving us over to the love and power of them ;
but give us truly penitent hearts for all the evils
commifted by us, and thy merciful discharge from
all the guilt that lies upon us. And grant us, O
G(xl, the comfortable sense and apprehension of
thy gracious acceptance of us, and thy merciful
intentions towards us in Jesus Christ.

O may we find the joy of the Lord to be our
strength, to enable us against our sins, especially
the sins to which we are most addicted, and
whereof we are in greatest danger. May it make
us also more ready to every good work, and
better disposed for all the duties of piety, justice,
charily, and sobriety, which we owe to thee, to
our neighbor, and ourselves, that herein we may
exerjcise ourselves, to have alwavs a conscience
vpi^ of offence towards God, and towards men.
I|elp us to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as

68 FIBST WBBK.

Wise ; carefully redeeming the time we have lost
and conscienciously improving all those seasons
aud means of grace, which thou art pleased to pu
into our hands. And while we are upon earth, C
give us all things needful and convenient for oui
present pilgrimage ; and sanctify to us all the
enjoyments, and duties, and providences, that noy
befal us ; till, through the merits of thy Son, anc
the multitude of thy mercies, we are conductec
safely to be ever with the Lord. Amidst all ou
other affairs in this world, O let us never forget o
neglect the one ,thing needful, but be ip greates
care so to demean ourselves every day, as ma]
forward our comfortable accounts in the great da]
of thy appearing and glory.

Gracious Father! keep us, evermore we be
seech thee, in thy fear and favor ; and help us h
live to thy honor and glory. If thou guide us not
we shall run into errors ; if thou preserve us not
we shall fall into dangers. O let thy good provi
dence be our defence and securitjs and let ih;
Holy Spirit be our guide and counsellor in all ou
ways. And grant that we may take the ways ani
measures agreeably to thy will, and acceptable ii
thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

Gal. ii. 20. — I am crucified with Christ: neyertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ, liveth in me : and the life which
I now lire in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Deut. xxxiii. 27. — The eternal God is thy refuge, and
underneath are the everlasting arms : and he shall thrust out
the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.—
flappy art thou, 0 Israel : who is like unto thee, O people
•aved by ^he Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the
sword of thy excellency !

Romans viii. 35. — Who shall separate us from the love
of Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these
things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved
us.

1 John v. 18. — We know that whosoever is bom of Grod
flinneth not ; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself,
and the wicked one toucheth him not.

1 Cor. X. 12. — Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand-
etb, take heed lest he fall.

13. — There hath no temptation taken you but such as ii
common to man ; but God is faithful, who will not suffer yon
to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the
temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able
to bear it,

Phil. i. 6. — Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.

2 PxTKR i. 10. — Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dili*
gence to make your calling and election sure : for if ye do
these things, ye shall never fall.

O God of the spirits of all flesh, it is meet mod
right that unto thee all mankiod should repair. It
is very meet, and right, and our bonndeQ duty,
that we should at all times, and in all places, give
thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty
and everlasting God.

It is of thy mercies, O Lord, that we are not
consumed, because thy compassions fail not, and
because we have an all-prevailing Advocate, ever
living to make intercession for us. Onr misdeeds
testify against us, and our trespass is grown unto
the heavens, for we have grievously sinned against
thee, in thought, and word, and deed. Wc ac-
knowledge with shame the corruption of our nature,
and we also lament those actual transgressions of
our lives, whereby we have broken thy holy law,
and provoked thy wrath and indignation against
us. But thou, even thou, art be that blottest out
our sins for thy covenant's sake, and for thy
beloved Son's sake, rememberest them no more.
Be merciful, therefore, unlo us, O God, for our
souls trust in thee. Pardon, and deliver us from
all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all good-
ness, and bring us to everlasting life, through the
merits of thy Son.

Enlighten our understanding, control our will,
and sanctify our affections. So strengthen us, that
neither the pleasures, nor the cares of this life,
may turn away our thoughts from the life whic'
is to come. But may we learn and labor daily

M(M7DAT ETENING. 71

live above the world, and to follow all our occupa-
tions in it with a heavenly mind. May the spirit
which was in Christ Jesus govern us in all the
relations, and circumstances of life. Make us dili-
gent and faithful, patient and benevolent, useful to
men, and pure and devout in the eyes of the Holy
God. And grant that nothing may ever separate
between us and thee by causing us to grow weary
of thy service. But may we keep thy covenant at
all times, and think upon thy commandments to do
them, regarding thy yoke as easy, and thy burden
light; yea, accounting thy service perfect freedom,
and the very joy of our hearts.

[Hera may be introduced any appropriate occasional Prayer.]

Brought by thy hand so far to the conclusion
of another day, we desire to praise thee for the
nnany and undeserved blessings which we have
received. We adore thee as the author of our life,
and the source of all our enjoyments. How great
is thy goodness which thou hast in s<ore for them
that love thee ! We give thanks unto thee, O Lord,
and praise thy name, O thou Most High. Help us
to show forth thy loving-kindness in the morning,
and thy faithfulness every night. And that we
may offer unto thee a spiritual sacriBce, acceptable
through Jesus Christ, let not our praise proceed
out of feigned lips, but from the ground of the
heart. Grant that at the close of every day, thy
love may be more abundantly shed abroad in us

79 F»8T WBSK.

by the Holy Ghost, and may constrain us to show
forth thy praises, who h<ist called us out of darisneap
into marvellous Uospel light.

God of our fathers, trusting in thy tender mer-
cies, and in thy loving-kindnesses, which have
been ever of old, we flee unto thee for rest and
safety this night. As thou seest that we have no
power of ourselves to help ourselves, take us, we
beseech thee, under the protection of thy good
providence. Keep us both outwardly in our bodies
and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended
from all adversities which may happen to the bodji
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and
hurt the soul.

Finally, we beseech thee, O Lord, to bless the
whole race of mankind, with all things needful for
life and godliness. To all thy people give thy
heavenly grace, and especially to this nation and
its rulers, and let thy glory still dwell in our land.
Grant that the course of this world may be so
ordered by thy governance, that the Gospel of thy
Son may be every where truly received and truly
followed, and that thy Church may joyfully serve
thee in all godly quietness. Bless all our relations
and friends, all who have done or wished us good,
and reward them seven fold into their bosoms.
Do good to those who have done or wished us
evil, and give them repentance and better minds.
Comfort the sorrowing; heal the sick ; shed abroad
thy love in all our hearts ; and fit us every dp

MONDAY BVBNINCk

giore and more for thine everlasting kingdom. We
tisk all, through the worthiness of thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Faiheri &c.

Snesiag IHorning.

Isaiah xxviii. 16. — Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation
a stone, a tried stone, a precious comer-stone, a sure founda-
tion. (1 Peter ii. 6.) — He that bclieveth on him shall not
be confounded.

Isaiah xlv. 22. — Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the
ends of the earth.

Mark ix. 23. — If thou canst believe, all things are possible
to him that believeth.

John i. 12. — As many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sous of God, even to them that beliero
on his name.

John iii. 16. — God so loved the world, that he gave his
only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jer. xxxi. 33. — This shall be the covenant that I will
make with the house of Israel ; aflcr those days, saith the
Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it
in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be
my people.

Malachi iii. 6. — For I am the Lord, I change not; there-
fore ye sous of Jacob are not consumed.

Eph. ii. 10. — We are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained,
that we should walk in them.

2 Cor. iii. 5. — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to
think any thing as of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of
God.

2Thess. ii. 13. — We are bound to give thanks alway to
God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath
from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctifi-
cation of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

TUESDAY MORNING. 76

AiiMiOHTr God, whose eyes run to and fro through-
out the earth, and whose providence is always
engaged in behalf of those who fear thee, we adore
and magnify thee, as the source of all our hopes
and privileges.

Thou, O Lord, preservest to us our life and
health, our food and raiment, our friends and
benefactors. From thee proceed our private and
public blessings, the means of grace, and the hope
of glory. Not for our goodness dost thou continue
to bless us from day to day, and permit us to come
into thy presence, but because thou delightest in
mercy; and because thou lookest upon the sacrifice
of thy beloved Son, who gave himself a ransom for
our souls. Grant that the multitude of thy mercies
in Christ Jesus may ever triumph over the multitude
of our sins ; and that our supplications and praises,
may, through his precious blood-shedding, daily
enter with acceptance into thy ears.

In his all-prevailing name we beseech thee to
look down upon us in compassion this morning.
Let thy thoughts towards us be thoughts of peace,
and not of evil. As thou hast kept us from the
terror by night, and from the pestilence that walketh
in darkness, so may it please thee to save us from
the arrow that flieth by day, and from the destruc-
tion that wastcth at noon. Especially save us from
those who lie in wait for our souls: and graciously
hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety
of the devil, or man, worketh against us, may, by

76 FIRST WEEK.

ihy good providrnce, be brought to nought, that
we, ihy servants, being hurt by no persecutions,
mny evermore give ihunks unto thee, and praise
thy holy name.

Enable us to pass this day, nnd all our days,
in thy faith and fear. Preserve us, that our minds
be not overcharged with the cares, or with the
pleasures of this life. Make us humble in pros-
perity ; and patient and thankful in the time of
adversity. Suffer us not to be occupied in ungodly
works, with men that work wickedness. But give
us grace to set our face as a rock against sin, and
vanity, and every appearance of evil ; and let not
our hearts be inclined to any evil thing, but only to
that which pleaseth thee.

As ihou hast showed us, O Lord, what is good,
and what thou requirest of us, help us to obey thy
commandment, to do justly, to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with thee, our God. May we
always remember thy presence, and live in fear
of thy awful judgment. Vouchsafe, we beseech
thee, coRthiually to direct, sanctify, and govern,
both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy
laws, and in the works of thy commandments:
that through thy most mighty protection, we may
be preserved in%ody and soul.

[Here may be uied any appropriate Collect.]

O thou Father of all, and Lord of heaven and
earth, give thy blessing to all nations; especially

TUB8DAT NOON. 77

to that in which thou hast cast our lot. Be thou
our God, and may we be thy people; that all the
world may know that thou art our defender and
Almighty benefactor. Defend thy Church univer-
sal. Bless the congregation to which we belong, and
the families with whom we are more immediately
connected. Deliver the helpless and oppressed,
and sanctify the trials of all thy afflicted ones.
We further pray thee to shed thy guidance and
blessing upon this family. Increase our love to
thee, and to each other : and make it our delight
to meet before thy throne, to offer up our prayers
and praises, through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator
and Advor^ate. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

[Or, with « Collect, for the Morning or Ereninf .]

Romans viii. 1. — ^There is now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, bat
aAer the Spirit.

2. — For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath
made me free from the law of sin and death.

EzEE. xxxvi. 26. — A new heart also will I give you, and
a new spirit will I put within you ) and I will take away the
stony heart out of your flosh, and I will give you a heart of
flesh. And I will put ray Spirit within you, and cause you
to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them.

78 FIRST WXBK.

Psalm li. 10. — Create in me a clean heart, O God: and
renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy
presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore
unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and uphold me with thy
free Spirit.

John xiv. 16. — And I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another Comforter, that he may abide with yon for
ever; even the Spirit of truth.

2 Cor. v. 17. — If any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature ; old thin^^s are passed away ; behold, all things are
become new; and all things are of God.

Romans viii. 14. — For as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God. Because the love of God ii
shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given
unto us.

1 Cor. iii. 16. — Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any
man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy : for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Eph. iv. 30. — And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Gen. vi. 3. — And the Lord said. My Spirit shall not always
strive with man.

2 CoR. xiii. 14. — The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love o£ God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be
with you all. Amen.

O Lord, thou art the God whose we are, and
whom we ought to serve, with all the endowments
and abilities wherewith thou hast blessed us. From
thee, our God, comes all our help, and in thee is
reposed all our hope. To ihee we owe our hum-
blest adoration, our warmest gratitude, and most
faithful obedience. Day by day, we magnify thee;
the Father, of an infinite majesty ; thine adorable,

TUESDAY NOON. 79

true, and only Son ; also the Holy Ghost, the Com-
forter. We worship thy name ever, world without
end.

We desire, O Lord, to humble ourselves before
thee, that our lives have been so full of provocations
against thee ; that the dishonor which we have
done thee, has exceeded all the service ; that we
have lived to ourselves more than to thee; and
have served our own lusts and pleasures more than
thy blessed will. By our sins we have spoiled
and destroyed ourselves; but it is not in us to
nicover and save ourselves. In thee alone is all
our help. Yea, thou hast laid help upon one that
is mighty, and able to save to the uttermost all that
come to God through him : through whom thou
hast encouraged us to come boldly to the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in every time of n^ed. In him, therefore,
we beg. Lord, that thou wilt be reconciled to us,
and at peace with us ; as a Father of mercies, and
a God of consolation.

For his sake, enable us also, we beseech thee,
to demean ourselves as becomes the children of
God, the redeemed of the Lord, and the members
and followers of Jesus Christ. O put such prin-
ciples of grace and holiness into our hearts, as may
cause us to hate all iniquity, and every false way.
Not only lay thy commands upon us, but be pleased,
O Lord, to enable us for the performance of every
duty. And so engage our hearts to thyself, that

80 FIRST WBBK.

we raay make it our meat and drink to do thy
will; and with enlarged hearts, run the way of thy
commands. And as long as we are in this world,
keep us, O Lord our God, from the evil of it, and
from the snares and dangers to which thou knowest
we are continually exposed. Make our passage
safe and sure, through all the changes, troubles,
and temptations, of this mortal life, to the un-
changeable glories and felicities of life everlasting*

[Here introdoMi any appropmte Collect.]

• Be merciful to us, good Lord, and bless us,
and keep us by night and by day, in all our ways,
and in all our lawful designs and undertakings;
and may we take nothing in hand, but what is
warranted in thy word. Let thy fear be ever
before our eyes to restrain us from the things
provoking to our God, and destructive to our souls.
And let thy love abound in our hearts, and sweetly
and powerfully constrain us to all faithful and
cheerful obedience, acceptable in thy sight, through
him that loved and redeemed us, even the Lord
our righteousness ; in whose blessed name alone,
we offer our unworthy petitions. Ajnen.
Our Father, &c.

Rom. viii. 11.— If the Spirit of him, that raised up Jesiui
from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from
the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit
that dwelleth in you.

• John vi. 63.— It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh
profiteth nothing : the words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life.

Rom. viii. 26. — Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infir-
mities: for we know not what we should pray for as we
ought : but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered.

Gal. v. 22. — ^But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem-
perance : against such there is no law. And they that are
Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and
lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Heb. vi. 4. — For it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were
made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good
word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they
shall fall away, to renew them agiiin unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to them.selves the Son of God afresh, and put
hini to an open shame.

1 Cor. vi. 11. — And such were some of you: but ye' are
wa.shed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name
of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

O Loud, God of our salvation, day and night will
w'c cry unto ihee. Bow down thine ear and hear
U"?. Let our prayer come up before thee as incense;
and let the lifting up of our hands be an acceptable
evening sacrifice.

4»

82 FIRST WBBK.

We do not presume to draw nigh unto thee,
trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy
manifold and great mercies in Christ Jesus. We
are not worthy to implore the smallest blessing at
thy hands. For though thou hast nourished and
brought us up as children, yet have we sinned and
rebelled against thee, our heavenly Father, from
our youth up even until now. We have broken
thy law, resisted thy spirit, and slighted all the
claims of thy mercy. But, blessed be thy name,
there is forgiveness with thee, and plenteous re«
demption in thy beloved Son. O look upon us in
compassion through him, our only Mediator and
Advocate. And thou, who art exalted to be a
Prince and a Saviour, obtain for us repentance and
remission of sins. Thou that sittest at the right
hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
Through the power of thy covenant, may we go
to our rest, delivered from the burden of guilt, and
the bondage of corruption, and knowing that, by
thy great mercy, we are translated into the glorious
liberty of thy children.

Grant us grace, O God, day by day, to examine
our hearts and lives, and so to search and try them,
that we may know of what manner of spirit we
are. Let not a deceived heart be the cause of our
ruin ; but give us an enlightened and a tender
conscience. Suffer us not to grieve thy Spirit by
trifling with sin, and resisting the convictions of
our minds; lest we provoke thee to leave us to

TCBSDAT BTBSriXG. 88

ourselves, and to swear in thv wrath that we shall
never enter into thy rest; but grant that all carnal
aBections may die in us ; and that all things belong-
ing to the Spirit may live and grow in us. Help
us to put off the old man, which is corrupt, accord-
ing to the deceitful lusts ; and to put on the new
man, which, aPter thy image, is created in righte-
ousness and true holiness. Cleanse the thoughts
of our hearts, by thy holy inspiration, and make
them a habitation for thyself, the templ&s of the
living God: and suffer us not to defile them by
taking pleasure in unrighteousness.

Accept, O heavenly Father, our humble and
hearty thanks for all thy mercies towards a&
How great is the sum of them ! If we would
count them, they are more in number than the
sand. We praise thee, for thy goodness, which
endureth yet daily. We- praise thee, O God ; we
acknowledge thee to be the Lord. Oh, fill our
hearts with such a sense of thy loving-kindness,
and glorious perfections, that we may love thee
above all things, and fear nothing so much as thy
displeasure.

Rejoicing, O Lord, in the assurance of thy
power, thy wisdom, and care, we commend our-
selves, and all those whom we love, to thy gracious
protection. Lighten our darkness, we beseech
ihee, O Lord ; and by thy great mercy defend us
from all the perils and dangers of the night.

84 FIRST WEEK.

[Here nifty be uied any appropriate Collect.]

Hear our prayers also in behalf of all mankind.
Prosper the land in which we dwell, and thy
Church in it to which we belong. Bless our rulers
whom thy good providence hath set over us ; and
may we reverence and obey them, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake. Stir up, we
beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful
people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the
fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously
rewarded. Awaken the minds of all who are
putting off their repentance from year to year, and
cause them to see that now is the accepted time ;
now is the day of salvation. Look with pity upon
those who arc lying on the bed of sickness ; and
sanctify the trials of all thy afflicted ones. Arise,
O Lord God, lift up thy hand; forget not the op-
pressed and the poor. May it please thee also to
forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers ;
and to turn their hearts. All which we humbly
beg for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Our Father, &c.

iDcbnfdban itlorntng.

EzEKiEL xviii. 21. — If the wicked will turn from all his
sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and
do that which is lawful and rig^ht, he shall not die. All his
transgressions that he hath committed, shall not be mentioned
unto him. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should
die ! saith the Lord God ', and not that he should return from
h^s ways, and live ?

Psalm xxxiv. 18. — The Lord is nigh unto them that are
of a broken heart ; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Matt, xviii. 3. — Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, except
ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not
enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Luke xiii. 3. — Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish.

Romans viii. 6. — ^For to be carnally minded is death ; but-
to be spiritually minded is life and peace : because the carnal
mind is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law
of God, neither indeed can be.

Acts iii. 19. — Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing
shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Psalm li. 1. — Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to
thy loving-kindness; according to the multitude of thy tender
mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly
from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I
acknowledge my transgressions ; and my sin is ever before
mc. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine
iniquities. For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give
it : thou delightest not in burnt-ofiering. The sacrifices of
God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God,
thou wilt not despise.

86 FIRST WBBK.

Isaiah i. 18. — ^Thouj^h your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimsoni they
shall be as wool.

1 John i. 7. — The blood of Jesus Christ oleauselh us from
all sin. If we confess our sins, ho is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from, all unrighte-
ousness.

Heb. X. 14. — By one offering he hath perfected forever
them that are sanctified.

John i. 29. — The Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sins of the world.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and ever-
lasting God, who hast safely brought us to the
beginning of this day, defend us in the same with
thy mighty power; and grant, that this day^ we fall
into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger ;
but that all our doings, being ordered by thy
governance, may be righteous in thy sight.

i^fay we go forth to the discharge of our several
duties with thy love shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost. Enable us to feel its constraining
influence in all our ways ; and to show forth thy
praises, who callest out of darkness into marvellous
light. Teach us faithfully to improve our various
talents, and continually to occupy with them till
thou come. Preserve us from being led away with
the error of the wicked. Keep us up that we fall
not from our steadfastness, nor make shipwreck of
faith and a good conscience. But may we be
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and, in
every temptation, hold fast our integrity. Dispose

WEDNESDAY MORNINO. 87

US day by day, to give all diligence, to add to our
faith virtue, and knowledge, and temperance, and
brotherly kindness, and charily. Grant that these,
and all other heavenly dispositions, naay be in us,
and abound ; that so we may be neither idle nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Bless us in that state of life to
which thy good providence hath called us. We
are troubled, O Lord, about many things ; and dis-
quiet ourselves in vain. Give us faith to cast all
our care upon thee, who carest for us ; believing
that thou, who hast not spared thy only Son, but
bast delivered him up for us all, wilt with him
also freely give us all things. Prepare us for the
various changes of this mortal life ; and lead us,
in every visitation, to see thy hand, and submit to
thy will. Teach us in whatever state we are,
therewith to be content. May we know how to be
abased and how to abound ; and in all the ways
of thy good providence, to laud and magnify the
holy name.

[Here may be introduced uijr occasional Prayer.]

We desire to offer up our unfeigned thanksgiv-
ings for the good which thou mayest already have
wrought in us ; and for every privilege and mercy
vouchsafed to our bodies and our souls. Day
by day we give thanks unto thee, and praise thy
name, O thou Most High. Add this to all thy other
mercies, that we may never forget to be thankful.

88 FIRST WBBK.

Lastly, we beseech thee to give unto our rela-
tions and friends, and to all others for whom we
wish more e<tpecially to pray, that godliness which
is profitable unto all things; having the promise of
the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
These mercies for them, for us, and for all man-
kind, we humbly beg in the name, and through
the mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

iDcbncBlrap Noon.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Bfomiof or Ereoin;.]

Romans xii. 14. — Bless them which persecute you; bless,
and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward
another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of
low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense
to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men. If it be possible, as much us lieth in you. live
peaceably with all m€»n. Dearly beloved, avenge not your-
selves ; but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written.
Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore,
if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink :
for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

WBDNK8BAT NOON. 89

1 Ck>K. ziii. 4. — Chanty sufiereth long, and is kind ; chaiitj
envieth not ; charity vaunteth not itself; is not puffed up ;
doth not behave itself unseemly ; seeketh not her own ; is not
easily provoked ; thinketh no evil ; rejoiceth not in iniquity,
but rejoiceth in the truth ; beareth all things ; believeth all
things; hopetli all things; endureth all things.

Mark xi. 25. — When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have

aught against any ; that your Father also which is in heaven

may forgive you your trespasses.*

26. — ^But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Col. iii. 12. — Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy
and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, long-suffering.

13. — Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another,
if any man have a quarrel against any ; even as Christ for-
gave you, so also do ye.

14. — ^nd above all these things put on charity, which is
the bond of perfectness.

O Lord, our gracious God, our chief good, and
most merciful Father in Jesus Christ; in whose
great name, and prevailing mediation alone, we,
who have multiplied our offences against thee, are
permitted to present our persons, and our prayers
before thee; deliver us, gracious Lord, from all
our transgressions, for which our hearts condemn
us : and from all, which we may have forgotten,
but of which thou, that art greater than our hearts,
knowest us to be guilty. And seal to us a full
pardon, in his most precious blood, which speaks
better things in our behalf, than we are able to do
ourselves in all our prayers.

And may the time past of our lives suffice to

90 FIRST WBBK.

have lived to ourselves, and to have served our
own lusts and pleasures. O put an end to all our
presumptuous and treacherous dealings with thy
all-seeing Majesty. Grant us new and clean, hum-
ble and contrite hearts, to tremble at thy word and
presence, and to hate and abandon all our sinful
misdoings. Wilt thou engage to thyself, blessed
Lord, the most frequent thoughts of our minds, the
choicest aflfections of our hearts, and the main
tendency and activity of our souls. O let us ex-
perience such content and delight in serving thee,
and in communion with thee, that the most alluring
things of this world may not tempt us to love them
immoderately. Grant, O God, that nothing that
we now suffer, or hope, or fear, may hinder us in
pursuing what our faith forsees, and what thy love
has prepared for thy servants.

Hear us, O Lord, for ourselves, and let our
supplications also ascend before thee in behalf of
all men living. Send thy word, and the means of
grace, to such as are yet destitute of them ; and
make them efficacious, and the savour of life, in
those that do enjoy them. Convert the unconverted,
and perfect thy good work where thou hast begun
it. Give a check to all profaneness, vice, and
ungodliness, that presumptuous sinners may be
ashamed, and the devices of the wicked may come
to an end. O make thy Church to increase and
flourish, and thy servants to prevail and rejoice.
Be gracious and favorable to this land, and to the

WBDNKSDAY NOON. 91

head and governors thereof. Oh do thou guide and
counsel all our rulers, and order public affairs, to
the glory of thy name, and to the welfare and
happiness of the nation. Regard with compassion
all the sons and daughters of affliction. Sanctify
thy fatherly corrections to them, and support them
under their several burdens. Be good to all our
friends and neighbors, reward our benefactors,
bless our relations with the best of thy blessings,
making them near to thyself by grace, as they are
to us by alli.ince. Preserve us from our enemies,
and reconcile them both to us and to thyself.
Grant that all the habitations of Christians may be
houses of prayer, and be thou especially gracious
to the several famiUes where thy name is called
upon. Let thy heavenly blessings, and thy saving
grace, descend and rest upon us in this family. O
guide us, and keep us ; make us wise and faithful
in our duty, and prosperous and blessed in the
issue ; root out unholy passions and propensities
from our bosoms ; and establish in us the dominion
of the Lord Jesus Christ. May we daily grow in
grace, attaining greater conformity to the spirit of
the Gospel, and coming nearer to thy kingdom, O
God. Unite our hearts to thee, and to each other.
Bless our present estates to us, and fit us for what-
soever thou shalt be pleased to call us to. Teach
us how to want and how to abound ; and both in a
prosperous and suffering condition, secure our hearts
to thyself, and make us ever to approve ourselves
faithful in thy service. ^

93 FIRST WBBK.

And now, O Lord, be pleased to accept our
sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, to thee the
Father of mercies, for thy great goodness, that has
followed us all the days of our life. Our lives
have been filled with the expressions of thy love ;
and thou hast abounded towards us in a variety of
blessings, pertaining to this world, and a better;
passing by our innumerable sins, as if thou sawest
them not, thou goest on still to oblige us with new
favors. O Lord, imprint and preserve upon our
hearts a grateful sense of all thy kindness unto us;
that our souls may bless thee, and that all that is
within us may praise thy holy name. We ask and
ofier all only in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

iDfimfBlrag (ffpening.

Jer. xxxi. 33. — This shall be the covenant that I will
make with the house of Israel ; After those days, saith the
Lord, I will put my law in their inw^ard parts, and write it in
their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my
people.

Eph. ii. 10. — ^We are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that
we should walk in them.

2 Cor. iii. 5. — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to
think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of
God.

WBDNSSDAY SVENINa. 93

3 Th<88. ii. 13. — ^We are bound to give thanks alway to
God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath
firom the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctifi-
cation of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

John xvii. 11. — Holy Father, keep through thine own
name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be
one, as we are.

Romans viii. 38. — I am persuaded, that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God, which is in Clirisl Jesus our Lord.

Phil. i. 6. — ^Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.

Bo3fAN8 viii. 1.— There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not afler the
flesh, but af\er the Spirit. Who shall lay any thing to the
charge of God's elect ? It is God that justifieth. Who is he
that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, is risen
again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also
maketh intercession for us.

Phil. ii. 12. — Workout your own salvation with fear and
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of his good pleasure.

AiiMiaHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but
badst rather that he turn from his wickedness and
live, wft acknowledge our manifold offences where-
by thou art justly displeased. Notwithstanding all
thy love and mercy, and our obligations and vows,
we have often offended thee, in pride, in impeni-
tence, in hardness of heart, in neglect of thy word,
and the means of grace, and in forgetfulness of the

94 FIRST WBBK.

sufferings of thy dear Son. But whereas we can-
not, by our best services, make any satisfaction
for the sin that is past, we flee unto thy cross, O
Lamb of God, who made there, by one oblation of
thyself, once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient
sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of
the whole world. Pardon all our iniquities, and
give unto us true repentance, and thy Holy Spirit ;
that those things may please thee which we do at
this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter,
being pure and holy, we may come to thy eternal

joy.

And, as without holiness no man shall see thee
in glory, and thy judgment draweth nigh, let us
not be slothful, but followers of them who through
faith and patience inherit the promises. Be merci-
fully touched with the feeling of our infirmities,
and remember whereof we are made. Carry on
in our souls, from day to day, the work of faith
with power. Fill us with the knowledge of thy
will, in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding.
Enable us to guard against every thing which
might serve to weaken the ground of our confidence
towards thee. May wo never grieve thy Holy
Spirit, nor wound our conscience, by doing what
our hearts condemn. But grant that we may
always, through thy help, both faithfully live and
walk according to thy will in this life present, and
also be pnrtcjkers of everlasting glory in the life to
conio.

WEDNESDAY EVENINa. 96

(Here iatrodnee nny epproprUta occasioiul Prayer.]

These great mercies, which we ask for our-
selves, be pleased, O God, to extend unto our
fellow men. Grant that repentance and remission
of sins may be preached unto all nations. Cause
the wicked to forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts; and let him return unto thee,
that thou may est have mercy upon him, and
abundantly pardon him. Give thy blessing to the
righteous ; and with thy favorable kindness defend
him, as with a shield. Have compassion upon
those who have grown lukewarm in thy service.
May they be zealous and repent, and do their first
works. Give them the comfort of thy help again ;
and establish them with thy free Spirit.

We entreat thee, also, to accept our thanks for
the manifold blessings which we have hitherto
received, and for the means and hopes of salvation
through the covenant of thy Son. We praise thee
for the comforts and protection of the past day ; for
we are unable to defend ourselves, and unworthy
to be defended by thee. Wc bjess thee for provid-
ing for us a place of rest by night ; for thy beloved
Son, when he was upon earth, had not where to
lay his head. Thou only art he who makest us to
dwell in safety. We beseech thee, therefore, most
mighty God, who art the Protector of all that trust
in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is
holy, to watch over us, and keep us, through the

FIRST WBBK.

hours of darkness. Increase and multiply upon us
thy mercy, from day to day ; that, thou being our
Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things
temporal, that we finally lose not the things that
are eternal, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen*

Our Father, &c.

Si)nrd2ras iHorning.

1 John iii. 2.— ^Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and
it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that,
when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see
him as he is.

3. — And every man that halh this hope in him purifieth
himself, even as he is pure.

2 Peter iii. 13. — We, according to his promise, look for
new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteous-
ness.

John xvii. 24. — Father, I will that they also, whom thou
hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may
behold my glory, which thou hast given me.

Psalm xvi. IJ. — Thou wilt show me the path of life; in
thy presence is fulness of joy ; at thy right hand there are
pleasures for evermore.

Rev. vii. 15. — They are before the throne of God, and
serve him day and night in his temple : and he that sitteth
on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger
no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light
on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst
of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living
fountains of waters ; and God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes.

2 Tim. iv. 8. — There is laid up for me a crown of righte-
ousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me
at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that
love his appearing.

1 Peter i. 3, 4, 5. — Blessed he the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy
hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ itnin the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible,

98 FIRST WEEK.

and undefiled) and that fadeth not away, resenred in hearen
for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation.

Hkbrews iv. 9. — There remaineth therefore a rest for the
people of God.

O God, whose mercies are renewed to us day by
day, we desire to offer the continual sacrifice of
praise, in the name of that blessed Saviour, through
whom alone sinners may approach thee even with
the voice of thanksgiving. Accept our unfeigned
thanks for thy preservation of us during the past
night, for all our past comforts and privileges, and
for adding another day to our lives, while so many
of our fellow men have been cut ofTin an unprepared
state.

Make us, O Lord, more and more sensible of
thy condescension and grace, in regarding the
services of so unworthy creatures, and in continuing
thy mercies to the unthankful and the evil. Teach
us to know and to feel our exceeding sinfulness in
thy sight, that we may be filled with a due sense
of all thy mercies. Save us, O Lord our God, and
gather not our souls with the ungodly ; but set us
apart for thine own kingdom. May we strive to
enter in at the strait gate. May we not be of the
number of those who, seeking to enter in, shall not
be able; but of those who believe to the savin^: of
the soul. And, we pray lliee, O Lord, to show
forth thy great power, both in pardoning our sins,
and in enabling us to bring forth the fruits of

THURSDAY MORNING. 99

righteousness, which are, by Jesus Christ, to thy
praise and glory. As thou hast given him to be
unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example
of godly life; give us grace thankfully to receive
that his estimable benefit, and to endeavor daily
to follow his blessed steps.

[Hore introduce any appropriate occaiioual Collect.]

Our eyes are now directed unto thee, from
whom cometh all our help. Guide us in all our
actions, sanctify our conversation, and defend us
from all dangers. Dispose us to enter^ upon the
various duties of this day, with the spirit of those
whom thy mercy hath spared, and thy grace hath
quickened to newness of life. Deliver us from
spiritual sloth and negligence. Make us active in
the discharge of all that lieth before us. Help us
to press forward in the way of life, and so to run,
that we may obtain the prize of our high calling.
Incline and enable us to abound in those good
works which thou hast prepared fur us to walk in ;
to watch and wait all the days of our appointed
time, till our change come; and, by patient con-
tinuance in well-doing, to seek for glory, and honor,
and immortality ; that so, by thy mercy, we may,
in the end, obtain eternal life, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Uorniuf or ETeaiaf .]

2 Tim. iii. 16. — All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness :

17. — Tliat the man of God may be perfect, throughly fur-
nished unto all good works.

Romans x. 17. — Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God.

Rkv. i. 3. — Blessed be he that readeth, and they that hear
the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are
written therein.

Heb. iv. 12. — ^For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discemer of the thoughts and intents of the
heart.

Romans i. 16. — ^The gospel of Christ is the power of God
unto salvation, to every one that belie veth.

James i. 21. — Receive with meekness the ingrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.

22. — But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.

Psalm xix. 7. — The law of the Lord is perfect, converting
the soul : the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the
simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing tho
heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening
the eyes. Moreover by them is thy servant warned : and in
keeping of them there is great reward.

Isaiah Iv. 3. — Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear,
and your soul shall live ; and I will be an everlasting covenant
with you, even the sure mercies of David. For as the rain
cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not

THUR8DAT NOON 101

thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth
and bad, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the
eater : so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth ;
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that
which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I
sent it.

James i. 21. — Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, and super-
fluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted
word, which is able to save your souls.

Romans i. 16. — I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ;
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
bclieveth.

2 Tim. iii. 15. — ^The holy scriptures are able to make thee
wise imto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

O Lord our God, inBnitely great, and infinitely
good, whose glory is above all our thoughts, and
whose mercies are over all thy works, we adore,
and bless, and praise thee, for that goodness
which thou hast been pleased to vouchsafe unto
us, who are the daily objects of thy bounty, and
the living monuments of thy patience and forbear-
ance. While thy glorious perfections would forbid
our approaches, thy gracious covenant emboldens
us to look upon thee, as a merciful and forgiving
Father in Jesus Christ.

O Lord, who didst create us after thy own
image, in a holy and happy estate, we have made
ourselves vile and miserable, unlike that which
came out of thy hands ; averse to good, prone to
evil, and full of daily provocations and rebellious
against thee. It is through thy wonderful patience
that thou hast not, long before this time, cut us off

102 FIRST WBBK.

in our sins, and shut us up in final despair of thy
mercy. Praised be God, that, willing to be recon-
ciled even to thine enemies, thou hast sent thy
only Son into the world upon the great errand of
our salvation ; and that whosoever believeth in him,
should not perish, but have everlasting life. Lord,
we believe, help thou our unbelief; and give us
true repentance towards God, and right faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ ; that we may be of the
number of those who indeed repent and believe, to
the saving of the soul.

And save us, O good Lord, from our sinful
frailty and corruption ; from the love of this evil
world ; and from every wicked custom which we
are tempted to follow. Make us a way to escape
out of all the snares of temptation, wherewith we
may be entangled. Make thy way plain before us,
and so full of pleasantness, that, convinced of its
excellence, we may cheerfully give up ourselves to
follow it ; that our own experience in the way of
godliness may have more power to attach us to it,
than all the allurements of the world to divert us
from it. Establish, O Lord, and strengthen, and
settle us ; that going forth in thy strength, we may
rejoice to do thy will, and continue in thy fear and
love to our lives' end.

These things we beg not for ourselves alone,
but for all whom we should remember in our
prayers. O bring nigh unto thee all those that are
yet afar off; that such as yet sit in darkness and

THURSDAY NOON. 103

the shadow of death, may attain to the light of thy
truth, and the joy of thy salvation. Grant that all
who name the name of Christ may depart from
iniquity, and so live up to their high and holy
profession, that they may give no just occasion to
the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. Be gracious
and favorable, O Lord, in an especial manner to
thy Church, built upon the foundation of apostles
and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner-stone. Plead thy own cause, and maintain
thy true and holy religion, which thou hast so long
and wonderfully owned. Let not the enemies of
thy Church over prevail; but let all that stand up
for the defence of the truth, prosper in their designs;
and still give us cause to say, the Lord be magni-
fied, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his
servants.

Bless with thy sanctifying graces, the President
of these United States, and all others in authority
over us. O Lord, protect their persons, direct their
counsels, and prosper all their endeavors for the
public safety, peace, and welfare. Make ministers
an example to the flock, in all sobriety, righteous-
ness, and holiness of living. And establish us all
a holy people to thj^self ; that with one heart, we
may all agree in the same faith, and adorn it with
a suitable and holy life.

Comfort all that want the comforts which we
enjoy ; and apply thy succors and consolations to
the several necessities and calamities of all thy

104 Fnurr wbsx*

afflicted ones. Remember, with the favor which
thou boarest to thy people, all our friends, and
relations, and benefactors. Make them, O Lord,
such as thou wouldst have them to be, and such
as, in Christ Jesus, thou wilt mercifully accept,
here to thy favor, and hereafter to thy glorious
kingdom. Forgive our enemies, and turn their
hearts, and turn ours to forgive them. And direct
all our ways to please thee, that thou mayest make
even our enemies to be at peace with us, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Arntn*
Our Father, &c.

Qri)nr0ban <£r>tnm%.

PnAiM tffitr 7, — Th«>an:?r;] of the Lord encampeth round
alKnit U,t'rfi fhat U'ht hirn, iuu\ (Jf-livereth them.

i'<Ai,vf f/ 1 1 1 — Ml! Mhall *^\v*: hiH anijels charge over thee,
to kft'p Uift' ill all ||,y wayn. They shall bear thee up in
thi'ir hjinU. I«rnt thou ilaMh thy fool a:,fainst a stone.

Matt, xviii, 10. — Tak*j liecd that ye despise not one of
these little ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their
anm'\H do always behold the face of my Father which is in
hf^avf'fi.

J I KB. i. 14. — Are thoy not all ministerinsr spirits, sent
ihnii to iiiinistcr for them who shall be heirs of salvation.

(i*:N. xkviii, 12. — Jacob dreamed, and behold a ladder set
ijjioii llio earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and
Udiol'i IliM un;,N'ls of God ascending and descending upon it.

THURSDAY EVEXING. 103

" AcT8 xii. 7. — The angel of the Lord came upon him, and
he amote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise
up quickly. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and
bind on thy sandals. Acts v. 19.

LuKX xvi. 22. — It came to pass that the beggar died, and
was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom.

Luke xv. 10.— There is joy in the presence of the angels
of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Col. ii. 18. — -Let no man beguile you of your reward, in
a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels.

FsALM xxvii. 1 .—The Lord is my light and my salvation ;
whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of
whom shall t be afraid ?

Isaiah xliii. 2.— When thou passest through the waters,
I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not
overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou
shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy
Saviour.

O Lord, thou hast been our Refuge from one
generation to another. Before the mountains were
brought forth, or ever the earth and the worlds
were made, thou art God from everlasting. Upon
thy mercy-seat in the heavens thou waitest to be
gracious, while we, thy sinful creatures, draw nigh
unto thee, who art reconciling the world unto thy-
self by Christ, not imputing their trespasses unto
them.

When we call to remembrance the days that
are gone, from our youth up even until now, and
consider how many of them have been spent in
forgetfulness of thee, wc are afraid of thy judgments,
O Lord. Seeing our sins are more in number than

106 FIRST WBSK.

the hairs of oiir head, our hearts roight well fail
because of them, did we not know that thy com-
passions fail not. But, we beseech thee, O Lord,
deal not in thy just displeasure with thy servants*
Blot out the hand-writing that is against us ; and
grant unto us redemption through the blood of thy
beloved Son, even the forgiveness of sins, according
to the riches of thy grace. May we be washed,
and sanctified, and justified, in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and by thy Spirit, O Lord God.

We adore and magnify thy name. Father of
mercies, and God of all consolation, for having
called us, not according to our works, but according
to thy own purpose and grace, in Christ Jesus.
O for a song of praise ! for a psalm of everlasting
thanksgiving unto thee, the God of our salvation!
Worthy art thou that wast slain, to receive power,
and riches, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

Teach us, O Lord, to live, day by day, in
humble dependence on thy promises, in cheerful
obedience to thy laws, and in a sure and certain
hope of a blessed immortality. Keep us, we
beseech thee, with thy perpetual mercy: and
because the frailty of man, without thee, cannot
but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things
hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our
salvation. From all our enemies, temporal and
spiritual, defend us, O Christ. In all time of our
tribulation, in all time of our prosperity, in the
hour of death, and in the day of judgment, good

THURSDAY EVENING. 107

Lord, .deliver us — Grant that, being made thy own
children by adoption, and being incorporated into
thy holy Church, we may receive the fulness of
thy grace, and finally, with the residue of thy
people, may be made partakers of thy heavenly
kingdom.

[Here introduce any occasional Prayer.]

We now desire, O heavenly Father, humbly to
commend ourselves, and all who belong to us, to
the care of thy good providence. How excellent
is thy loving-kindnoss, O God ! Therefore do the
children of men put their trust under the shadow
of thy wing; and, theref)re, do we, thy sinful and
helpless creatures, implore thy protection through
the hours of darkness. Watch over us with thy
all-seeing eye ; and vouchsafe unto us comfortable
sleep. May we lie down in peace, and take our
rest. May we dwell safely, and be quiet from fear
of evil. But whereas wc continually carry about
us a body of death, give unto us all grace to con-
sider our latter end. As often as we lie down on
the bed of sleep, help us to look forward to that
sleep in t^e dust of the earth, from which all shall
awake at the last, some to everlasting life, and
some to shame and everlasting contempt. And
may we be found meet, in that day, to join in the
grateful and triumphant song, which thou hast
prepared for those who wait devoutly for thy
appearing.

108

FIRST WEEK*

Almighty God, mercifully hear and answer
these our supplications. Shed abroad thy love and
mercy upon all the creatures of thy hand. Sanctify
the dispensations of thy providence, and prosper
the means of grace. And grant us thy peace all
the days of our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Dur Father, &c*

Irilrag iHoming.

EzEK. xxxiii. 11. — As I live, saith the Lord God, I have
no pleasure in the death of the wicked : but that the wicked
turn from his way and live : turn ye, turn ye, from your evil
ways; for why will ye die, 0 house of Israel? (Ezek. xviii.
21 .) — ^But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath
committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is
lawful and right, he shall surely live, he i^all not die. All
his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be
mentioned unto him : in his righteousness that he hath done
he shall live. (1 Cor. xii. 7.) — The manifestation of the
Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (2 Cor. xii. 9.)
—He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee ; for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. (Mal. ii. 10.) — Have
we not all one father ? hath npt one God created us ? (Acts
X. 34.) — God is no respecter of persons; (2 Peter iii. 9.) —
but is long-sufiering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance. (1 Tim. ii.
6.) — ^For there is one God, and one mediator between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom
for ALL. (1 John ii. 2.) — He is the propitiation for our sins;
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole
world. (Rom. v. 18.) — As by the offence of one, judgment
came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by the righte-
ousness of one the free gif\ came upon all men unto justifi-
cation of life: (Rom. xi. 32.) — for God hath concluded them
all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 0 the
depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of
God ! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways
past finding out — (IIeb. ii. 9.) — that he, by the grace of God,
should taste death for every man !

110 FIRST WEBK.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, by whose
kind providence ihe darkness of night is turned to
the light of day, and who hast graciously devised
a way of salvation for us miserable sinners, we
praise thee for adding to the number of our days,
and for giving us another opportunity of imploring
thy fatherly forgiveness. O the depths of the ribhes
of thy wisdom, thy knowledge, and thy love !
Thou, O God, the merciful and gracious Lord, has
so done thy marvellous works, that they ought to
be had in remembrance. Thou hast sent redemp-
tion unto thy people ; thou hast commanded thy
covenant for ever; holy and reverend is thy name*
It is a good thing to give thanks unto thee, O Lord;
and to sing praises unto thy name, O thou Most
High ; to show forth thy Joving-kindness in the
morning, and thy faithfulness every night.

Teach us, O Lord, afways to consider this life
as the only season of preparation for another.
Suffer us not to waste it in unprofitableness and
vanity ; and graciously continue it to us, till the
work is finished which thou hast given us to do.
Take away from us the spirit of slumber; and
quicken us to greater diligence and activity. For-
asmuch as the night is far spent, and the day is at
hand, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and to put upon us the armor of light.
Make us to count all things but loss, for the excel-
lency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord ;
and dispose us gladly to suffer the loss of all things.

Friday morning. Ill

that we may win Christ and be found in him. O
Lord, raise up, we pray ihee, thy power, and come
among us, and with great might succor us ; that
whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are
sore let and hindered in running the race that is
set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may
speedily help and deliver us.

[Here may be used any appropriate Collect.]

Defend us, O Lord, from day to day, with thy
heavenly grace, that we may continue thine for
ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit, more
and more, until we come unto thy everlasting
kingdom. Strengthen us in every conflict with the
enemies of our souls; and comfort our hearts with
the full assurance of faith that they shall not finally
prevail against us. May we not trust to a form of
godliness, and deny the power thereof; but be
faithful and sincere in thy service, keeping our
hearts with all diligence, and laboring to bring
every thought and intent thereof in captivity to the
obedience of Christ, that so, at the last, an entrance
may be ministered unto us abundantly into the
everlasting kmgdom of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ, in whose name we offer up our im-
perfect prayers. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Ifominf or Kveaiaff.]

2 Cor. xiii. 3. — Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the
faith ; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves,
how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
(HcB. xi. 1.) — ^Now faith is the substance of things hopeil for,
the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. xi. 6.) — ^But without
faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to
Goil must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him. (Romans x. 9.) — If thou shalt
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved. For with the heart, man belieVeth unto righte-
ousness; and with the mouth, confession is nfiade unto sal*
vation. (2 Peter ii. 1.) — But there were false prophets also
among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among
you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon them-
selves swift destruction. (Eph. ii. 8.) — For by grace are ye
saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift
of God ; (Rom. iii. 22.) — the righteousness of God, which is
by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that
believe. For there is no difference, for all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God ; being justified freely by his
grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ; whom
God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God. (Romans v.
10.) — For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to
God by the death of his Son : much more, being reconciled,
we shall be saved by his life. (Romans v. 1.) — Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through
our Lord Jesus Christ.

FRIDAT NOON. IIS

O Lord, we humbly desire to seek thy face, and
to wait upon thee in the duties of thy worship.
Let our prayer be set before thee as incense,
and the lifting up of our hands as an acceptable
sacrifice. To whom should we go but unto thee,
the Father of mercies and the fountain of goodness,
who art able to do abundantly for us, even above
all that we can ask or think. There is in us no
good thing to recommend us to thy favor and
acceptance, but a proneness and inclination to what
is displeasing in thy eyes, and destructive to our
souls. Not only were we by nature the children
of wrath, but we have been daily trespassing upon
thee, and still adding to the heavy score of our
ofiences. O see our sins punished in our Saviour,
who was wounded for our transgressions, and
bruised for our iniquities. And as he who knew
no sin, was made sin for us, so may we be saved
through faith in his merits, where we could not be
saved by any worth of our own.

Heavenly Father, we not only beg for pardon-
ing mercy, but also for power against sin, and
grace sufficient to renounce and triumph over it,
that we may walk more perfectly before thee, in
all the duties of piety and holiness. Suflfer us not
to be tempted above what we are able to bear : but
make our temptations less, or thy grace in us, and
our spiritual strength, greater than every trial, that
no iniquities may prevail against us, nor any pre-
sumptuous sin have dominion over us. O make us

114 FIRST WBBK.

more conformable to the example and the precepts
of our Saviour, and more transformed into his holy
image and likeness. Suffer us not to profess the
religion of Jesus Christ to the disparagement of it
in the world ; but let our light shine before men, to
thy glory, O heavenly Father, and to the ediGcation
of those with whom we have our conversation.

And since the time of our abode in' this world
is so short and uncertain, and we have an ever-
lasting estate to abide in after our departure hence,
let us not here set up our rest, as if we were at
home upon earth, nor expect a long or sure enjoy-
ment of any of those things that perish in the using:
but all the days of our appointed time, may we
wait, till our change come ; and not only live in
expectation of it, but in the daily serious preparation
for it; in the exercise of all those graces and good
works that may make it unto us Christ to live,
and gain to die ; that in life and death we may be
always thine, still safe in thy hands, and acceptable
in thy sight.

And, together with our own, we commend to thy
mercy, O God of the spirits of all flesh, the neces-
sities and distresses of all our brethren throughout
the world. Enlighten the ignorant, awaken the
careless and the secure, reclaim the vicious, and
establish the unsettled. Bring all to the knowledge
and love of thy truth, to the participation of thy
grace, and to the obedience of Christ. We pray,
for all magistrates, and ministers of the Gospel ;

FRIDAY NOON. 116

for all our friends and relations ; and all the aflSicted
every where, especially those for whose happiness
and salvation thou knowest us to be chiefly con-
cerned. O do thou for us, and for them, as thou
knowest best, and most needful, for thy own
raercy*s sake.

As we pray to thee, O God, for what we want,
80 we desire to praise thee for all that we have
received at thy hands. And blessed be thy name,
O Lord, that we have any thing, yea, that we have
so many things, for which to love, and bless, and
praise thee. What shall we render to the Lord
for all his benefits ! What can we give to thee our
God, but the glory of thy own gifts and goodness !
O Lord, let not our hearts be shut and straitened
towards thee, whose hand is every da.y so open
unto us; but do thou possess, and animate them
with greater love and thankfulness, that we may
serve thee with our whole heart, and glorify thy
name, by a devout life and conversation, evermore.
Show us the light of thy countenance, O Lord, and
refresh us with the sense of thy love and favor in
our Redeemer; to whom, with thy eternal self,
and Holy Spirit, be all thanks and praise, and
glory, ascribed by us, and by all thy Church,
world without end. Amen,

Our Father, &c.

f^ribas (£vtnm%.

Jamss i 12. — Blessed is the man that endureth temptation :
for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which
the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ^

HicB. zii. 5. — My son, despise not thou the chastening of
the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : for whom
the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth
with you as with sons ; for what son is he whom the father
chasteneth not ? Furthermore, we have had fathers of our
flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence : shall
we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits,
and live ? For they verily for a few days chastened us after
their own pleasure ; but he for our profit, tliat we might be
partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present
seemeth to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless, afterward
it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them
which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands
which hang down, and the feeble knees.

James v. 7. — Be patient brethren, unto the coming of the"
Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit
of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive
the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient : establish your
hearts : for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

1 Peter iv. 12. — Beloved, think it not strange, concerning
the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you : but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall
be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Cor. X. 13. — There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man : but God is faithful, who will not
suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will
with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may
be able to bear it.

I PBIDAT BVENINa. 117

9 Com. iv. 16. — ^For which cause we faint not ; but though
our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day
by day.

17. — ^For our light afRiction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory.

1 p£TER V. 6. — Humble yourselves therefore under the
mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
casting all your care upon him ; for he careth for you. And
the €rod of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal
glory by Christ Jesus, afler that ye have suffered a whilej
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Almigmtv God, we beseech thee mercifully to
behold this thy family of sinful creatures, for whom
thy blessed Son was contented to be betrayed, and
given up into the hands of wicked men, and to
sufier death upon the cross. Grant that drawing
nigh unto thee in his name, and pleading before

jee his most precious blood-shedding, we may be
le partakers of all the benefits of his passion.
O Lord, we acknowledge and bewail our mani-
Ibld sins and wickedness which we, from lime to
le, most grievously have committed, by ihouglit,

rord, and deed, against thy divine Majesty ; pro-
voking most justly thy wrath and indignation against
us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry
for these our misdoings ; the remembrance of them
is grievous unto us ; the burden of them is intoler-
able. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us,
most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus
Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant

118 riBST WBB&.

that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee
in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy
name.

Deliver us, we beseech thee, heavenly Father,
not only from the wratli to come, but also from all
the evils of ibis present life. Under the shadow of
thy wing may we find shelter, till every calamity
be overpast. Grant, if it be agreeable to thy will,
that the voice of joy and health may be heard in
our habitation ; and that no calannty may come
nigh us, or our dwelling. Or shouldest thou think
fit to correct us, may we find that it is good for us
to be afflicted ; and that thou, of very faithfulness,
hast caused us to be in trouble. For thou. Lord,
art good ; a strong hold in the day of trouble : and
thou knowest them that trust in thee.

Especially preserve us, this night, from the
perils of darkness. Guard us from the assaults of
ungodly men, from the approach of evil spirits,
and from the wicked imaginations of our own
hearts. Bless us incur lying down; and refresh
our bodies with sleep. Bless us in our rising up;
and prepare us for the duties of another day, if we
are permitted to see one. May we lie down on
our beds with a good hope, through grace, that if
our eyes should be closed this night in the sleep
of death, we may rest in Jesus, and awake, at last,
to a joyful resurrection.

i IFere iiiiroduce auy appropriate occaiioual Prayer.J

FRIDAY EVENING. 119

Grant, O Lord, these and all other blessings
nnto our fellow men. Be merciful unto all the
nations of the earth ; and especially unto our own
land* Make them nations fearing thee, and working
righteousness; and pour down upon them the spirit
of unity and concord. We beseech thee to cast
thy bright beams upon thy Church ; that it, being
enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed word,
may so walk in the truth, that it may at length
attain to everlasting life. Preserve the rich and
prosperous from forgetting thee ; and make them
partakers of thy heavenly treasures. Grant that
the poor of this world may be rich in faith, and
heirs of the kingdom which thou hast promised to
them that love thee. Comfort, O Lord, the afflicted ;
succor the tempted ; strengthen the weak ; and re-
claim the wandering. Lastly, we beseech thee to
give unto our relations, friends, and to all others
for whom we wish more especially to pray, that
godliness which is profitable unto all things ; having
the promise of the life that now is, and of that
which is to come. All which we humbly beg in
the name, and through the mediation, of Jesus
Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

SatnrbaQ illormng.

Romans viii. 9. — ^Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,
if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any
man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And
if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of (with respect
to) sin ; but the Spirit is life because of (with respect to)
righteousness.

Heb. xii. 14. — ^Holiness, without v/hich no man shall see
the Lord.

Col. iii. 1. — If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right
hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on
things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid
with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, shall
appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify
therefore your members which are upon the earth ; fornica-
tion, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,
and covetousness, which is idolatry : for which things' Bake
the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. And
have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that created liim.

Romans vi. 21. — What fruit had ye then in those things
whereof ye are now ashamed ? for the end of those things is
death.

22. — But now being made free from sin, and become
servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the
end everlasting life.

23. — For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SATURDAY MOaXING. 121

Thb eyes of all wait upon thee, O G(kI, and thou
givest them their meat in due season. Thou
openesl thy hand, and (illest all things living with
pleniconsness. The day is thine, the night also is
thine, for all things serve thee. Thou hast sent
redemption unto thy people ; thou hast given us an
everlasting covenant of mercy ; holy and reverend
is thy name, O God. Our song shall be always
of thy loving-kindness, and with our mouth we
will daily show forth thy praise.

Heavenly Father, we bless thee for preserving
us through the past night, and for refreshing us
with sleep ; and we acknowledge it to be of thy
undeserved goodness that we are permitted to be
here before thee this morning. We bless thee for
every opportunity of meeting before the throne of
grace; for every means of spiritual knowledge ; for
every victory over the enemies of our souls. We
adore thee for all the promises of thy word ; for all
the wonderful instances of thy forbearance towards
us; for all the motions of thy good Spirit in us;
for all our past and present comforts, and for our
prospects of future glory.

Take not from us thy Holy Spirit, and thy
gracious providence, through our past folly and
sin. Bestow upon us whatever thou mayest see
necessary and convenient for the present life : but
incline us to take heed of covetousness, and a too
great minding of earthly things. Give us grace to
withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh,

122 FIRST WBBK. *

and the devil ; and with pure hearts and minds ta
follow thee, the only God.

[Hero may be used any occasional Pk«yer.)

Let a sense of thy presence abide with us this
day. May we set thee always before us, remem-
bering that thou, O God, seest us : and since unto
thee all hearts are open, all desires known, and
from thee no secrets are hid, cleanse, we beseech
thee, the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration
of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love
thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name. And
while we acknowledge thee in all our ways, do
thou in mercy direct our paths. Make thy way
plain before us. Stand continually at our right
hand that we may not be moved. Strengthen us
with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily
increase in us thy manifold gifts of grace, the spirit
of knowledge and true godliness ; and fill us, O
Lord, with the Spirit of thy holy fear, now and for
ever, for the sake of thy Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

0atttrbag JJ'oon.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Morning or Evening.]

Psalm xxxvii. 16.— A little that a righteous man hath, is
belter than the riches of many wicked.

tmm T

SATURDAY NOON. 123

pROv. X. 22.— ^The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich,
and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Prov. XV. 16. — Better is a little with the fear of the Lord,
than great treasure and trouble therewith.

EccL. ii. 26. — God doth give to a man that is good in hit
sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy : but to the sinner he
giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to
him that is good before God.

Psalm xxxii. 6. — For this shall everyone that is godly pray
unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found : surely in
the floods of great waters, they shall not come nigh unto thee.
Thou art my hiding place : thou shalt preserve me from trou-
ble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

Psalm xxxiv. 19. — Many are the afflictions of the righte-
ous : but the Lord delivercth him out of them all.

Heb. iii. 14. — ^For we are made partakers of Christ, if we
hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

Psalm xlii. 11. — \Vhy art thou cast down, 0 my soul?
and why art thou disquieted within me ? hope thou in Gyd :
for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my counten-
ance, and my God.

Psalm xxx. 5. — His anger endureth but a moment; in his
favor is life : weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh
in the morning.

Psalm xlvi. 1. — God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though
the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea. Though the waters thereof roar,
and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swell-
ing thereof.

HcB. X. 35. — Cast not away therefore your confidence,
which hath great recompenco of reward.

36. — For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have
done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37. — For yet a little while, and he that shall come will
come, and will not tarry.

38.— Now the just shall live by faith : but if an^ man draw
back, mf soul shall have no pleasure in him.

1S4 FIRST WEEK.

Ever blessed and most gracious God, who art the
Lord and Giver of our lives and hopes, and of all
our enjoyments and comforts, through thy good
providence we have been spared and preserved,
comforted, and provided for, throughout our whole
lives, unto this present time. We acknowledge^
thy great and daily goodness, and our own un wor-
thiness of the least of thy mercies. We desire, O
Lord, to be penitent, and humbled for our sins;
and we entreat thy gracious favor in Jesus Christ,
for the' pardon of them. Being justified by faith,
may we have peace with God, through our Lord
Jesus Christ.

O Lord, we pray that thou wilt be to us a
Father of mercies, and a God of patience and con-
solation. Make us watchful followers of Christ;
continually fearing to offend, and endeavoring to
please thee ; and keeping our hearts with all dili-
gence, that they may not be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin. We pray, good Lord, that
thou wilt arm us with the whole armor of God,
and uphold us with thy free Spirit, and watch over
us for good evermore. Especially in the times of
our sorest trials, may we experience the strongest
aids of thy heavenly grace, that we may never fall
a prey to those enemies that seek to devour us.

And teach us, O God, to know the day of
grace, and the time of our visitation; to understand
the things which belong to our peace; and duly to
settle the great eternal affairs of our souls, in this

SATURDAY NOON. 126

our day, before they be hid from our eyes. And
while we have time, enable us to use and improve
it, to those great ends for which^ it was given us,
that we may make our short and uncertain stay
in this world, a means of securing to ourselves
an everlasting well-being, when we shall depart
hence.

And since thou art pleased yet to hold our
souls in life, and to make us find and feel, by every
day's experience, how abundantly gracious thou
art, add this, O Lord, to all thy other favors, that
we may never forget to be thankful. O give us
hearts more constrained by thy love, and more
affected with thy mercy. Help us to show forth
our gratitude, not only with our lips, but in our
lives, by surrendering ourselves wholly to thy
service, and by so ordering our conversation as
becometh the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Redeeming the tim6, as we come nearer to our end,
may we be made still fitter for the enjoyment of
thy heavenly kingdom ; that every day may bring
us still so much nearer to those everlasti|ig joys
and glories which thou hast prepared for them that
love thee, through the merits and intercession: of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

126 ' FIRST WBBK.

0atttrbap (£vtnm%.

Acts xxiv. 16. — Herein do I exercise myself, to have
always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward
men.

2 Cor. i. 12. — For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of
our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not
with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had
our conversation in the world.

Isaiah Ivii. 15. — ^Thus saith the high and lofty One that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell in the high
and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble
spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the
heart of the contrit ones. But the wicked are like the
troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire
and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Heb. X. 22. — Let us draw near with a true heart, in full
assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Titus i. 15. — ^Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto
them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure : but
even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess
that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work
reprobate.

Luke xiii. 24. — Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in^ and shall not be
able.

1 Tim. iv. 2. — Having their conscience seared with a hot
iron.

Jer. xvii. 9. — ^The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked : who can know it ?

Almighty and everlasting God, through whose
merciful kindness we are preserved from day to

SATURDAY EVENING. 127

day, we approach thy throne of grace this evening,
in the name of thy beloved Son.

We humble ourselves in thy sight for all our
iniquities, and particularly for those which we have
committed during the past week. We are sorry
and ashamed that we have had thy glory so little
before our eyes; that we have sinned against thee,
our neighbor, and ourselves. By leaving undone
what thou hast commanded, and by doing that
which thou hast forbidden, we have broken thy
law, in thought, and word, and deed. If thou,
Lord, art extreme to mark what we have done
amiss, O Lord, who may abide it ! Lay not, we
pray thee, our sins to our charge, but wash them
away in the fountain which thou hast opened for
sin and for uncleanness. And, O thou God of
Holiness, give us grace and strength to subdue
them. Renew us after thy likeness, in righteous-
ness and true holiness. Make us holy as thou art
holy, and pure as thou art pure. O God, make
clean our hearts within us ; and take not thy Holy
Spirit from us.

[Here may be oied any appropriate Collect.]

And since life is short and uncertain, and every
week brings us nearer to the end of all things,
enable us to lay aside every weight, and the sin
that doth so easily beset us, and to run with
patience the race that is set before us; looking
liQto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith-

128 FIRST VTKBK.

Preserve ever in our minds a lively remembrance
of that day, when the throne shall be set, and the
books shall be opened ; and every one of us shall
give account of himself to thee.

We humbly beseech thee to receive the thank-
offerings which we desire now to present on thy
altar. Thou hast guarded us from numberless
perils, and preserved us from desolating calamities.
Thou hast given suitable success to our undertak-
ings, and supplied us with means of comfort and
peace. From thy hand we have been fed and
clothed; in sorrow and temptation, thou hast sus-
tained us by thy Spirit; in our guilt thou hast
redeemed us by the blood of thine own Son ; and
it is only through thy forbearance and tender mer-
cies, that we have been spared to the evening of
this day. Thy ways towards us have been faith-
fulness and truth. Who can utter thy mighty acts,
O Lord, or show forth all thy praise? Grant that,
from the abundance of the heart, we may speak
thy praise; and that, at the close of every week,
we may be found growing in grace, in thankfulness,
and in every fruit of the blessed Spirit.

Keep us, we beseech thee, O Lord, this night,
under the protection of thy good providence, and
prepare us, both in body and soul, for the holy
duties of the approaching Sabbath. May no regard
to the fashions or friendship of the world, cause us
to profane it; nor any weariness of the world, tempt
us to consume its sacred rest, in slothful indulgence,

SATURDAY BVENDfa. 129

in vain conversation, nor unhallowed pleasure.
SuSer us not to form frivolous excuses for absenting
ourselves from thy Sanctuary. But, if permitted
in thy providence, may we go with the multitude
to thy house of prayer, with the voice of joy and
praise. There may we give thee the glory which
is due unto thy name, and worship thee in the
beauty of holiness. Grant that the Scriptures,
which thou hast caused to be written for our
learning, may be applied to our hearts in the
demonstration of the Spirit, and of power. Grant
that we may iind our corruptions weakened, and
the power of thy grace increased in our souls.

We pray thee, finally, O merciful Lord, to
remember and to bless with thy choicest mercies,
all our relations and friends. Keep them, we
beseech thee, under the protection of thy good
providence, and make them to have a perpetual
fear and Iovq of thy name. Let thy fatherly hand
be ever over them : let thy Holy Spirit be ever
with them; and so lead them in the knowledge
and obedience of thy word, that, in the end, they
may obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

6»

130 FIRST WBBK.

!3lnotl)er |JraBer for Satnrbag (Bvtnm%.

O Lord God, our heavenly Father, who preservest
us from week to week ; and continually renewest
thy various mercies to us ; we humbly come before
thee this evening, to express our gratitude and love
to thee, who art the Author of our being and the
source of all our happiness.

We thank thee, that while so many thousands
are suffering in misery and want, we are provided
with innumerable comforts; and are passing day
after day, in quietness and peace.

As we look back on our days which are passed,
and consider our lot in life, make us more thankful
for all that goodness which thou hast showered
down upon us ; and more earnest to employ our
opportunities and talents in fulfilling thy will, and
in diminishing, as much as in us lies, both the
wickedness and the misery which are in the world.
We lament every neglect and abuse of thy provi-
dential gifts, of which we have been guilty in times
past : confessing with shame and humiliation of
soul, that our talents have not been used religiously
and profitably, as they Ought to have been.

Especially, we lament our mis-spent time, and
all our other sins, during the past week. How
many sinful thoughts have we indulged ! How
many hasty and unbecoming words have we
uttered! And what coldness of heart was there in

SATUKDAY EVENING. 181

our religious duties ! Blessed with the knowledge
of Christ crucified for as, we have been listless
and lukewarm in thy worship ; too much alienated
from the life of God ; and too much occupied with
the cares of this world. Though living, O Lord,
on thy continual bounty, kept by thy power, and
indebted to thy pardoning grace, how little have
we labored to fulfil thy holy will, and to walk
blamelessly in all thy statutes and commandments!
We freely confess these our sins, and implore thy
forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ. O may
we lie down this night, trusting in his all-sufficient
sacrifice on the cross for us; and looking for thy
mercy unto eternal life.

Thus prepared by repentance and deep humi-
liation of soul, may we go forth on the ensuing
Sabbath filled with the spirit of prayer and sup-
plication ; to worship thee in the closet and the
family ; and Jo enjoy all the privileges of thy holy
Church, with grateful and devout, teachable and
docile minds. May we receive the seed sown into
an honest and good heart. May the Gospel of our
salvation be the chief desire of our minds, and the
consolation of all our hearts. May we welcome
the joyful sound; and bless that God, who not only
bestows our temporal mercies, but also sets before
us the hope of everlasting life.

Enable each of us, O Lord, who are here before
thee, to set an example of pure and undefiled
religion to all around us. Have compassion on the

132 FIRST WEEK.

young and uhinstructed. Incline them lo hear thy
word with attention, that they may grow wiser
every day; and teach them to lift their hearts in
prayer, while they kneel before thee in worship.
Confirm the wavering in the ways of true religion.
Teach them that godliness has the promise of the
life which now is, as well as of the life which is
to come. Convince ihem of their sins ; and give
them that peace of conscience, which the Gospel
brings only to the truly hiimble and penitent.

To thee do we now commit ourselves, beseech-
ing thee to bless every member of this family, and
to take care of us this night. May we lie down ir
the fear of God, in the faith of Christ, and in the
comfort of the Holy Spirit ; and may we rise in the
morning, rejoicing in our Christian privileges, anc
resolved to employ the Sabbath wholly in ih^
service, and to thy glory.

Hear us, O Lord, in these our supplications
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

[The space* between bracket* in theae Offices, are designed to be filled
Prayers suitable to any of the Festivals of the Church, to any National Celcbr
or to any Occurrence* of the Family, which it is desirable to sanctify by :
Prayer. For these purposes, appropriate Collect* will be found at the cic
the Fi^ily Devotions.]

«■!■».

FAMILY PRAYERS.

SECOND WEEK.

Snnbag Hlommg.*

1 Cor. xi. 23. — ^The Lord Jesus, the same night in which
he was betrayed, took bread : And when he had given thanks,
he brake it, and said, Take, eat : this is my body, which is
broken for you : this do in remembrance of me. After the
same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped,
laying, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do
ye, as oA as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the
Lord's death till he come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat
this bread^ and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall
be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man
examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink
of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,
eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord's body.

JoHX vi. 53. — Then Jesus said unto them. Verily, verily,
I say unto you. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man,
and drink his blood, yc have no life in you. Whoso eateth
my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I
will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat
indeed, and my blootl is drink indeed. He that eateth my
flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father :
so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

* Thii Prayer maj bo uted i» a Fauily not able to attend Public Worahip.

134 SBCONB WEEK.

1 Cor. X. 16. — ^The cup of blessing which we bless, is it
not the communion of the blood of Christ ? The bread which
we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ?

17. — For we being many are one bread, and one body:
for we are all partakers of that one bread.

1 Cor. v. 7. — Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye
may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ
our passover is sacrificed for us :

8. — Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven,
neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness ; but with
the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Almighty and everlasting God, who causest the
light to shine out of darkness, and renewest the
face of the earth which thou hast made for man,
day unto day proclaimeth thy glory and power;
and night unto night teacheth the knowledge of
thy wisdom and love. We worship, and fall down,
and kneel before thee ; for thou art the Lord our
God, and we are the people of thy pasture, and
the sheep of thy hand. Thou hast supplied us with
numberless comforts and deliverances during our
past lives ; and hast brought us to meet together
this morning, the living monuments of thy sparing
mercy, and providential care. We praise thee, in
.particular, for every opportunity which has been
afforded us of becoming wise unto salvation. Wc
bless thee for casting our lot in a Christian land ;
and for nourishing us, and bringing us up in the
true faith of thy Holy Church. We heartily thank
thee, heavenly Father, for giving us thy blessed
word and Spirit, thy sanctifying ordinances, thy

^ SUPTOAY MORNING. 136

day of holy rest. Above all, we praise .thee for
the gift of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and for
the hope of salvation through his merits. And we
beseech thee, Almighty God, to grant us perfectly
to know him to be the way, the truth, and the life;
that, under the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, we
may steadfastly walk in the path that leadeth unto
life eternal.

May we enter upon the duties of this day as
those who know not but that it may be our last ;
remembering that for this and every Sabbath we
must render an account in the day of judgment;
and, that of those to whom much has been given,
will much be required. Keep us, we beseech thee,
from all things that may hurt us, that we being
ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully ac-
complish those things which thou wouldst have
done. Let thy Spirit meet with us, O God, in
the closet, in the family, and in the sanctuary ;
and make us so joyful in thy worship, that wher-
ever we are, we may feel that it is truly the house
of God, and the gate of heaven. Help us to pray
with the spirit, and with the understanding also.
May we not be of the number of those who draw
nigh unto thee with their mouths, and honor thee
with their lips, while their heart is far from thee.
But make us to remember that the eye of God is
upon us. Assist us to worship thee in spirit and
in truth ; and thus prepare our minds for the good
word of thy grace! Dispose us to receive it with

136 8B0ON]> WBBK. ^

meekness, not as the word of man, bat as thy
engrailed word, which is able to save our souls.
May it come with power into every conscience,
and bring forth the fruits of the spirit in the souls
of all that hear it.

[Here may be used may occuional Collect]

We pray thee, also, to pour down upon all who
are called Christians, the abundance of thy mercy.
Bless especially such as shall assemble (with us)
in the courts of thy sanctuary. Give unto them
the spirit of fear, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Endue plenteously, with thy heavenly gifts, all thy
ministering servants who shall stand up in thy
name this day ; (particularly him whom thou hast
appointed to watch for our souls.) Make them
wise to win souls, and endue them with innocency
of life, that they may both save themselves and
those that hear them. Give repentance and remis-
sion of sins to all those who have hitherto neglected
or abused their Christian privileges. Instruct the
ignorant, strengthen the weak, comfort the aflBict-
ed ; and extend to all people the knowledge of
salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom,
with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, be
all honor, and glory, world without end. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

SUNDAY NOON. 187

[Or, with a Collect, for the M ominf or Ereoiog.]

Matt, xxviii. 18. — Jesus came, and spake unto them,
saying. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19. — Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost ;

20. — Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you : and lo, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world.

JoHN^ii. 5. — Jesus answered. Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born
of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is
spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be bom
again.

Titus iii. 5. — Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost j
which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our
Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Acts ii. 37. — Now when they heard this, they were pricked
in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the
apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do ? Then Peter
said unto them. Repent, and be baptized every one of ^ou in
the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then they that
gladly received his word, were baptized, and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts viii. 36, 37. — And as they went on their way, they
came unto a certain water ; and the eunuch said, See, here is
water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip

138 SBOOND WBBK.

said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou may est. And
he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son
of God. And they went down both into the water, both Philip
and the eunuch ; and he baptized him.

Acts x. 47, 4&. — Peter said, Can any man forbid water,
that these should not be baptized, which have received the
holy Ghost as well as we ? And he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of the Lord.

Acts ix. 17. — Ananias said. Brother Saul, the Lord, (even
Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest,)
hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be
filled with the Holy Ghost. (22. 16.) — And now why tarriest
thou ; arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling
on the name of the Lord.

18. — And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had
been scales : and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and
was baptized.

1 Cor. xii. 13. — For by one Spirit are we all baptized
into one body.

Most blessed and glorious God, the Lord of Hosts,
great in counsel and wonderful in operation, plen-
teous in goodness, and abundant in mercy, how
excellent is thy name throughout all the world !
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy
glory. Yea, thou hast set up thyself above the
heavens, and thy glory above all the earth : and
ihou art exalted far above all blessing and praise.
O God, who sendest out thy light and thy truth
to make the way of salvation plain before us, we
have line upon line, and precept upon precept;
thy messengers early and late ; and thy providence
giving us calls and warnings, to sanctify and lo
save us. But, O heavenly Father, thy vineyard

SUNDAY NOON. 139

hath brought forth wild grapes, and it is not seen
in our lives how great thy mercies have been to
our souls. O God, great is our guilt. Our very
righteousness is blemished and imperfect; nor can
we hope to be justified by any works or wbrth of
our own ; for, by our own conscience we are con-
demned, and should be left speechless in thy
judgment, if thou, O Lord, shouldst account with
us according to the merits of our best services.
We desire to take refuge and sanctuary under the
shadow of our crucified Saviour. We would be
found in him, not having our own righteousness,
but that which is by the faith of Jesus Christ ; that
the shame of our defects may be covered, and all
our sinful deformities hidden from thine eyes;
that thou mayest forgive us mercifully, and receive
us graciously, and love us freely, in the Son of thy
love.

Command a blessing, we pray thee, O Lord,
upon all the means of grace that are used for the
good of our souls. It is not of him that planteth,
nor of him that watereth, but of thee, our God,
who giveth the increase. O be thou pleased to
accompany thy Gospel with the powerful influences
of thy grace and Holy Spirit ; that it may be the
savor of life to our souls, and the power of God to
our salvation. O let us so hide thy word in our
hearts, that it may be as a trca?«urc within us, to
stand us in stead, in every hour of temptation, and
in all the times and cases of our need. Enable us

140 8B00ND WBBK.

to walk more humbly and closely with otv God,
and more conscientiously and circumspectly before
thee ; so obedient to thy holy precepts ; that finally,
we majr enjoy thy glorious promises.

Supply the want of thy public ordinances, we
beseech thee, by the immediate teachings of thy
good Spirit, to all such as through any unavoidable
impediments are kept from them. And continue
to this land, O gracious Lord, the light of thy
Gospel, and all the spiritual privileges, which we
enjoy. Preserve us also, by thy grace, from the
curse of barrenness, under all thy abundant mer-
cies. That they may not hereafter rise up in
judgment against us, O make them now efficacious
to us. Write thy laws in our hearts, and cause
them to accomplish there all the purposes of thy
grace, and to shine forth with a convincing splendor
in our lives. '

And now we give thanks, as we are infinitely
bound, O Lord God, for that great mercy that has
followed us all the days of our lives. How won-
derful is thy patience and long-suffering, that thou
shouldst all day long stretch forth thy hands to a
rebellious and gain-saying people ! We bless thy
name, that in so many respects thou hast made us
to differ from multitudes in the world, who are
destitute of those comforts and conveniences of
this life, and those means and hopes of attaining a
belter, which through thy favor we enjoy. We
acknowledge thee in all ; and we desire to ascribe

StTNOAY NOON. 141

UDto thee the whole praise and glory of all. Blessed
be thy name, most merciful Father, that thou hast
delivered us out of so many troubles, under which
we should have sunk and perished, if thou hadst
not been nigh to us, and done great things for us.
We bless thee for oiir health and plenty, peace
aud liberty ; for the use of our reason, limbs, and
senses ; for the kindness of friends, and safety from
our enemies ; and for the success and prosperity
of our affairs in the world. But above all, we
thank thee for the mercies relating to the world to
come ; for sending eternal redemption to us by the
hands of thy dear Son ; for the light and direction
of thy word ; for the teachings and strivings, the
aids and consolations of thy Spirit; for all thy grace
wrought in us, and bestowed upon us ; and for all
the discoveries and hopes of eternal glory which
thou hast given to us. O how infinitely indebted
are we to the kindness and love of God our Saviour!
Make us ever thankful as we ought to be. And
with all that thou hast given us, blessed God, give ^
us hearts filled with thy love, and lifted up in thy
praise, and devoted to thy honor and service.

We can only acknowledge the vast debt that
we are never able to pay. We cannot praise thee
according to the riches of thy grace; but we desire
to praise thee with all the capacities and affections
wherewith thou hast blessed us. And help us, O
Lord, our God, to glorify thy name in so entirely
devoting ourselves to thy pleasure, that we may

142 SECOND WSBK.

be thine in faithfulness, and in the sincerity of our
hearts, all the days of our lives, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

Deut. iv. 9. — Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul
diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have
seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy
life : but thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and
when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.

Heb. vi. 1, 2. — Leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christy let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the
foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith
toward God. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on
OF HANDS, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal
judgment.

Acts viii. 14, 15, 16, 17. — When the apostles heard that
Samaria had received (from Philip the deacon,) the word of
God, they sent unto them Peter and John : who, when they
were come down, prayed for them that they might receive
ihe Holy Ghost : for as yet he had fallfen upon none of them :
only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then
LAID THET THEIR HANDS ON THEM, and they received ihe Holy
Ghost.

Acts xv. 41. — And Paul went through Syria and Cilicia,
confirming the churches.

Matt. iii. 12. — Jesus answering, said unto him, thus it
becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.

Psalm Ixxvi. 11. — Promise unto the Lord your God, and
keep it, all ye tliat are round about it : bring presents unto
him that ouglit lo be feared.

SUNDAY BVENINa. 143

EccLES. xii. 1. — Remember now thy Creator in the days
of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the yearn
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.

Isaiah xl. 30, 31. — Even the youths shall faint and be
weary, and the young men shall utterly fall : but they that
wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, and not be
weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Jer. 1. 5. — They shall ask the way to Zion, with their
faces thitherward ; saying, Come and let us join ourselves to
the Lord in a perpetual covenant, that shall not be forgotten.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, who dost frotD thy
throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, most
heartily we beseech thee, with thy favor to behold
this family, whom thy good providence hath pre-
served to the evening of this sacred day. We
acknowledge before thee^ with shame and sorrow,
the many offences which, by thought, word, and
deed, we have most grievously committed against
thee, oar neighbor, and ourselves. Remember
them not, we beseech thee, O Lord, neither take
thou vengeance of our sins : but spare us, good
Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed
with thy most precious blood, and be not angry
with us for ever. Especially, we implore thy
fatherly forgiveness of all that thou hast seen amiss
in us this day. Pardon us, that we have not hal-
lowed the hours, nor guarded our conversation,
nor been awed in the spirit, as becomes those who
keep a festival to the Lord. Forgive the wander-
ings of our minds, the coldness of our hearts, and

144 8BCOND WSBK.

the unprofitableness of our best services. And
grant that our negligencies and sins may not with-
hold good things from us, nor cause the purposes
of thy mercy towards us to fail.

Suffer not this Sabbath lo pass without awak-
ening in us more earnest desires after heavenly
things. Too ofien have our former vows and
resolutions been forgotten, passing away like the
morning cloud and the early dew. Strengthen,
now, therefore, O Lord, we beseech thee, our devout
convictions and intentions ; and let thy Eternal
Spirit cherish the flame of divine love that may
have been kindled in our hearts this day. Grant
that the words which we have heard or read, may,
through thy grace, be so inwardly engrafted in all
our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the
fruit of good living.

Give us, O Lord, a good understanding of ihe
things which belong to our peace, before ihey be
hidden from our eyes. Subdue the workings of
our evil hearts. Preserve us from pride and envy,
from malice and discontent, from idleness and dis-
honesty, and from all hurtful lusts that war against
the soul. • Pardon and correct whatever is sinful
in us ; strengthen what is weak ; supply what is
wanting; and make us thoroughly furnished unto
every good word and work.

We beseech thee, good Lord, to hear our sup-
plications for all mankind. Prosper the labors of
thy servants who have this day published the glad

SUNDAY EVENING. 145

tidings of salvation, and give thy blessing to the
seed which they have sown, that it may bring forth
fruit abundantly. Graqt that those who have
waited on thee may renew their strength, and be
enabled to run with increased faithfulness the race
that is set before them. Hear and answer the
prayers which have been offered up for all estates
of men ia thy holy Church ; and grant us all to be
joined together in unity of spirit and of doctrine.
Mercifully regard those who have neglected thine
ordinances, and profaned thy Sabbath. Show them
their guilt and their danger ; and give them re-
pentance unto salvation. To our relations and
friends, our benefactors and enemies, give thy
heavenly grace. Extend to us all the protection
of thy good providence this night ; and grant us
such quiet and healthful repose as may fit us for
the duties of the day following. Finally, accept,
we beseech thee, heavenly Father, our thanks for.
the many and precious blessings which we have
so long enjoyed ; for thy constant care, thy bountiful
provision, for our civil privileges, for the means of
grace, and for the hope of glory. Above all, we
bless thee for the source and fountain of all thy
other mercies, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Day by day we will magnify thee, and every night
proclaim thy faithfulness and truth. And be thou
still our God and guide, our refuge and defence,
and our everlasting portion, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,

Our Father, &c.
7

iSIonlras Klornhig.

1 Cor. xii. 27. — Now ye are the body of Christ, and mem-
bers in particular.

Epu. v. 23. — Christ is the head of the church: and he is
the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject
unto Christ, Christ also lovetl the church, and gave himself
for it : that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a
glorious church, not having spot or wriukle, or any such
thing ; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1 CoR. xii. 28. — And God hath set in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, afler that
miracles, then gifls of healings, helps, governments, diver-
sities of tongues.

Matt. xvi. 18. — And I say also unto thee, That thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto
thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatsoever thou
sbalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven ; an4 whatsoever
thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt, xviii. 17. — But if he neglect to hear the church, let
him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.

Acts xx. 28. — Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and
to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased
with his own blood.

Matt. x. 14. — And whosoever shall not receive you, nor
hear your words, when ye depart out of that house, or city,
shake off the dust of your feet. Verily, I say unto you, It
shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah,
in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Acts xiv. 23. — And when they had ordained them elders
in every church, and had prayed with" fasting, they com-
mended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts ii. 47. — And the Lord added to the church daily such
as should be saved.

MONDAY MORNING. 147

O HOLY, blessed, and glorious God, who livest and
abides! for ever, we adore thee, the sovereign of
heaven and earth, the giver and preserver of all
good things. We acknowledge our entire and con-
tinual dependence upon thy bountiful providence.
Our wants are many and great, and we have no
power of ourselves to help ourselves. We desire
thee, therefore, O Lord, our heavenly Father, who
art the giver of all goodness, to send thy grace
untofus, that we may worship thee, serve thee,
and obey thee, as we ought to do. Give us all
things that are needful both for our bodies and our
souls. Be merciful unto us, and forgive us our
sins, and save and defend us in all dangers bodily
and spiritual.

And since thou hast spared us, O God, through
another night, and brought us together before thy
footstool, dispose us to give up ourselves afresh to
thee and to thy service, and to join ourselves to
thee in a perpetual covenant. Enable us to go
forth to our several employments remembering that
thy vows are upon us, and determined, in thy
8trenj?th, faithfully to perform the same. Grant
that every morning may find our hearts more en-
larged to run the way of thy commands. May it
become more and more the desire of our souls, and
the great business of our lives, to work out our
salvation with fear and trembling ; and do thou,
Almighty God, continually work in us both to will
and to do of thy good pleasure.

148 SECONI) WXBK.

[Hot« May b« ijitrodiieed 107 oecasiond Prayer.]

Let our conversation be daily in heaven, and
our whole behavior such as becometh the followers
of our Lord Jesus Christ. Make us sober and
temperate in our enjoyments; and give us grace to
use such abstinence, that our flesh being subdued
to the spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions.
Preserve us from being ensnared by the temptations
of a world that lieth in wickedness. Save us from
that fear of man which bringeth a snare, and frorA
being ashamed of thee or of thy Gospel ; but make
us to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by it, may the world be crucified unto us, and
we unto the world. Grant that a sense of thine
awful presence may abide with us through the
day. May we set thee always before us, remem-
bering that thou, O God, seest us. And cleanse,
we beseech thee, the very thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love thee and worthily magnify thy holy
name. Preserve us this day, and all that are dear
to us, by thy gracious providence, from evil acci-
dents and disasters, from sickness and death ;
prosper our undertakings; and sanctify all thy dis-
pensations to thy glory, and our salvation, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

MONDAY NOON. 1149

iSlonbas Noon.

[Or, with a CoUeet, for the Morning or Ereninf.]

John xx. 21. — ^Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be
unto you : as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith
unto them. Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever sins
ye remit, they are remitted unto them ; and whose soever sins
ye retain, they are retained.

Matt, xxviii. 19. — Go ye therefore and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost : teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have conmianded you : and lo, I am with you
always, even unto the end of the world.

HsB. V. 4. — ^And no man taketh this honor unto himself,
but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

5. — So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high
priest : but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day
have I begotten thee.

2 Cor. v. 18. — And all things are of God, who hath recon-
ciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the
ministry of reconciliation;

19. — ^To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and
hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20. — Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead,
be ye reconciled to God.

2 Tim. iv. 1 . — I charge thee therefore before God, and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead
at his appearing and his kingdom ;

2. — Preach the word ; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

1 Tim. iii. 3.—Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy
of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.

150 SBCOND WBBK.

4. — One that ruleth well his own house, having his chil-
dren in subjection with all gravity ;

5. — For if a man know not how to rule his own house,
how shall he take care of the church of God ?

1 Tim. iv. 15. — Meditate upon these things; give thyself
wholly to them ; that thy protiting may appear to all.

16. — Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;
continue in them: for in doing this thou .shalt both save
thyself, and them that hear thee.

Acts xx. 26. — I take you to record this day, that I am
pure from the blood of all men.

27. — ^For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the
counsel of God.

20. — I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you,
but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and
from house to house.

21. — Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ.

1 Tim. vi. 11. — Thou, 0 man of God, follow after righte-
ousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12. — Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.

Ez£K. ii. 6. — And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them,
neither be afraid of their words, though briars and thorns be
with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions ; be not afraid
of their words nor be dismayed at their looks, though they
be a rebellious house.

7. — And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether
they will hear, or whether they will forbear, for they are
most rebellious. ^

EzEK. xxxiii. 31. — They come unto thee as my people
Cometh, and they set before thee as my people, and they hear
thy words, but they will not do them : for with their mouth
they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their
covetousness.

32. — And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song of
one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an
instrument : for they hear thy words but they do them not.

MONDAY NOON. 161

O Lord God, that hearest prayer, and art nigh to
all that call upon thee in truth, having thine ears
open to a world of creatures, that continually
depend upon thee, as we are moved by our own
necessities, so are we encouraged by the daily
experience of thy mercies, still to shelter ourselves
under the shadow of thy wings, and to continue
our supplications at the throne of grace- And we
beg of thee, who fashioneth all the hearts of the
sons of men, to prepare us to come into thy holy
presence, and to call upon thy name, in an accept-
able manner.

O God, be merciful to us miserable sinners,
for his sake, whom thou hast exalted to be a Prince
and a Saviour, to give repentance to thy people,
and forgiveness of their sins : be merciful to us,
we pray thee, and heal our souls, that have greatly
sinned against thee. O heal our backslidings,
renew us to repentance, establish our hearts in
thy true fear and love, and warn us effectually by
our past experience ; that we may go on conquer-
ing and to conquer all the enemies of our souls,
and all the hindrances of our salvation, till Satan
be bruised under our feet.

O thou God of all grace ! bring such thoughts
to our minds, and urge such considerations home
powerfully upon our hearts, as shall most effectually
prevail with us, to keep us from iniquity, and
within the bounds of holy duty, till thou receive us
into thy kingdom. In the meantime, sanctify to

162 SECOND WBSK.

US all thy dealings with us; and bless us in all
our undertakings, conditions, and relations of life.
Make us humble in an high estate, contented in a
low, and still duly careful of our souls in all:
following after the things now which will bring us
true peace and comfort at the last* Make us always
to remember that each day, as it passes over us,
brings us so much nearer to death, judgment, and
our eternal destiny. And, oh gracious Lord, grant
that it may leave us more and more transformed
into the likeness of thy Son, and better fitted for
the bliss and glory of thy kingdom.

Accept, O God, through Jesus Christ, our in-
tercessions for all mankind. Grant, if it seem good
unto thee, peace and stability to our country ; and
perpetual safety, and increase of grace, to thy holy
Church. Hear the cries of the oppressed, heal the
sick, sustain the afflicted and dejected, bless and
prosper all our relations and friends, and sanctify
all by such means as thy wisdom knows best,
giving a happy issue to all the dispensations of thy
providence.

We commend ourselves, and all that are dear
to us, to thy divine guidance and blessing. Be
thou at our right hand that we may never be
moved. Dispose of us, and of all that concerns us,
to the glory of thy name. Keep us in all places
and companies, from the evil of sin, and from all
other evils, to which the greatness of our sins does
make us liable. And take thou, O heavenly Father,

MONDAY BVEftlSa. 163

the gracious charge, and guidance, and government
of us; and so lead us here, in all our ways, with
thy counsel, that hereafter thou mayest receive us
into thy glory, through thy tender mercies, and our
Saviour's abundant merits : in whose words, we
beg all things needful for ourselves and others, at
thy hands, O Lord God. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

itionlrag (ivtn\n%.

1 Cor. iv. 1. — Lot a man so account of us, as of the
roinistera of Christ , and stewards of the mysteries of God.

John xiii. 20.^-Je8Us said, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me : and he
that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.

1 Thjcss. iv. 8. — ^He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not
roan, but God who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

Heb. xiii. 17. — Obey them that have the rule over you,
and submit yourselves : for they watch for your souls, as they
that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and
not with grief.

Rom. XV. 30.— I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus
Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive
togelher with me in your prayers to God.

2 Thess. iii. 1. — That the word of the Lord may have free
course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

2. — And that we maybe delivered from unreasonable and
wicked men : for all men have not faith.

Malachi ii. 7. — The priest's lips should keep knowledge,
and the people should seek the law at his mouth; for he is
the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

154 dfiCOND WtiBlt.

1 Cor. iz. 11. — ^If we have soMm unto you spiritual things,
is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things ?

13. — Do ye not know that they which minister about holy
things live of the things of the temple, and they which wait
at the altar are partakers with the altar ?

14. — Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which
preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

1 TiiEss. V. 12. — And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord,
and admonish you ;

13. — And to esteem them very highly in love for their
work's sake.

Heb. xiii- 7.— -Who have spoken unto you the word of
God : whose faith follow, considering the end of their con*
versation :

8. — Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for
ever.

9. — Be not carried about with divers and strange doc*
trines.

2 Tim. iv. 3. — ^For the time will come, when men will not
endure sound doctrine; but ai\er their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ;

4. — And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.

2 CoR. iv. 3. — ^But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them
that are lost :

4. — In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds
of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gos-
pel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them.

6. — ^For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the
Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6.^For God, who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7. — But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

MONDAY BTBNING. 155

Almighty and everlasting God, who art always
more ready lo hear than we to pray, and art wont
to give more than either we desire or deserve,
pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy ;
remember thine exceeding great and precious pro-
mise, that whosoever cometh to thee, shall, in no
wise, be cast out. And grant that we, whose con-
sciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon
may be absolved. We beseech thee, mercifully to
look upon our infirmities, and, for the glory of thy
name, turn from us all those evils that for our sins,
we most justly have deserved ; and grant that, in
all our troubles, we may put our whole trust and
confidence in thy mercy ; and evermore serve thee,
in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honor and
glory.

O thou, from whom all good things do come,
grant that, by thy holy inspiration, we may thin^
those things that be good, and by thy merciful
guiding may perform the same. Give us under-
standing, that we may discern thy law; yea, that
we may keep it with our whole heart. O that our
ways were made so direct, that we might keep thy
statutes always ! May we hear a word behind us,
saying, **thls is the way, walk ye in it," when we
are inclined to turn aside, to the right hand, or to
the left. Give us wisdom and grace lo honor thee
by uprigliln(?ss and fidelity in all our ways. Pre-
serve us from unclirisiian tempers and pursuits;
from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and

156 8BCOND WBBK.

the pride of life. May we be jealous over our
hearts, and daily keep them with all diligence,
remembering that out of them are the issues of life.

Be pleased also, O God, to set a watch about
our mouths, and to keep the door of our lips, that
no communication may proceed out of them, but
that which is good for the use of edifying. And
may we always bear in mind, that of every idle, as
well as every profane word which we shall speak,
we must give account in the day of judgment.
Dispose us to make a covenant with our eyes, and
to turn them away from beholding vanity. Make
us honest and faithful in our several callings ; and
prosper, if it please thee, the works of our hands.
But preserve us from being overcharged with the
cares of this life; and save us from a covetous and
a worldly spirit.

Accept, O heavenly Father, our thanks for the
innumerable benefits which, from time to time,
thou hast bestowed upon us. We would raise a
memorial of thy abundant kindness, and tell out
thy works with gladness. We acknowledge, O
Lord, that no righteousness of our own hath merited
these blessings, neither hath our strength or foresight
procured them. But as the heavens aic higher
than the earth, so great has been thy mercy towards
us. Thy right hand and thy stretched-out arm
have helped and delivered us. Day bj^ day we
will magnify thee, and every night proclaim thy
faithfulness and truth.

MONDAY EVENING.

167

We beseech thee, O Lord, to accept this our
evening sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving. Re-
ceive us, and all for whom we would pray, to thy
fatherly protection, this night. May we lie down,
and not be afraid; and may our sleep be sweet
unto us. And grant that, whether waking or sleep-
ing, we may live together with thee ; through the
merits and intercessions of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c«

Sneebas illormng.

Malachi iii. 16. — Then they that feared the Lord spake
oflen one to another ; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it :
and a book of remembrance was written before him for them
that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Matt. xii. 36. — ^But I say unto you, that every idle word
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified,
and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Exodus xx. 7. — Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that
taketh his name in vain.

James v. 12. — Above all things, my brethren, swear not.

Matt. v. 33. — Ye have heard that it hath been said by
them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt
I>erforra unto the Lord thine oaths : but I say unto you. Swear
not at all : neither by heaven ; for it is God's throne : nor by
the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by any other oath:
but let your yea, be yea ; and your nay, nay ; lest ye fall into
condemnation.

Eph. ix. 29. — Let no corrupt communication proceed out
of ydur mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitter-
ness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil -speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice.

James iii. 5. — Behold, how great a matter a little fire
kindleth ! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so
is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole
body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set
on fire of hell.

Philip, i. 27. — Only let your conversation be as becometh
the gospel of Christ.

James i. 26. — If any man among you seem to be religious,
and bndleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart,
this man's religion is vain.

TUSSDAT MORNING. 169

Blessed art thou, O Lord, our God, who turnest
the shadow of death into the morning, and renewest
the uice of the earth : who hast delivered us from
the terror by night, and from the pestilence that
walketh in darkness : who hast unlocked our eyes
from sleep, and our eye-lids from slumber: who
makest the outgoings of the morning and of the
evening, to praise thee. Blessed art thou, for that
we laid us down and slept, and rose up again,
because thou. Lord, didst make us to dwell in
safety.

Thou, who art the strength of them that trust
in thee, we implore thy special presence and pro-
tection through this day ; not knowing what a day
may bring forth ; only that sufficient for each day
is the evil thereof. Be with us in all that immedi-
ately lies before us. Watch over us for good ; and
keep us as the apple of thine eye. Make us active
in the discharge of present duties. Cleanse us from
our most secret faults, and keep us from presump-
tuous sins, lest they get the dominion over us.
Save U3 from the corruptions of our own hearts;
from the wiles and assaults of the Prince of dark-
ness ; and from the wicked practices of the world
around us. Give us grace to deny ourselves, to
take up our cross, and to follow Christ. Preserve
us, at home and abroad, in public and in private,
from everything that might prove to us an occasion
of falling. And since, through the weakness of
our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without

160 dBCOKD W<8K.

thee, grant us, continually, the help of thy grajce,
that in keeping thy commandments we may please
thee both in will and deed. Lord of all power
and might, who art the author and giver of all
good things, graft in our hearts the love of thy
name ; increase in us true religion ; nourish us with
all goodness ; and, of thy great mercy, keep us in
the same all the days of our life.

[Here may be used any occa«k>nal Prayer.]

Furthermore, we entreat thee, O Lord our God,
to bless the whole race of mankind with all things
needful for life and godliness. Prepare thy way
before the face of all people, and visit them v;ith
thy salvation. Pour out ihy Spirit abundantly upon
thy Church, and upon this nation, and its rulers,
and let thy glory still dwell in our land. To all
<hy people give thy grace, that they may learn to
fear thee, and be subject to the higher powers,
submitting themselves to every ordinance of man
for thy sake. Give, and preserve to our use, the
kindly fruits of the earth, so that in due time we
may enjoy ihcm. Bless all our relations and friends,
all who have done or wished us good, and reward
them seven-fold into their bosoms. Do good to
those who have done or wished us evil, and give
them repentance and better minds. Comfort and
sanctify the afflicted in mind, body, or estate ; and
preserve the rich and prosperous from worldly
pride ; and the poor and needy from envying and
discontent.

TUBSDAT NOON. 161

We ask these great blessings for ourselves, and
for all mankind, in the name of Jesus Christ, our
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Mominf or Ereniiiff.l

Gkn. iii. 19. — In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground ; for out of it wast thou taken :
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Prov. vi. 6.— Go to the ant, thou sluggard ; consider her
ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or
ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her
food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, 0 sluggard ?
when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep ? Yet a little sleep, a
little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep : so shall
thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an
armed man.

Prov. xxiv. 30. — I went by the field of the slothAil, and
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and, lo,
it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered
the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
Then I saw, and considered it well ; I looked upon it and
received instruction.

Prov. xxvi. 13. — The slothful man saith, there is a lion
in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door tumeth
upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The
slothful hideth his hand in his bosom ; it gri^veth him to
bri.ig it again to his mc^uth. The sluggard is wiser in his
own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Prov. xxi. 25. — The desire of the slothful killeth him;
for his hands refuse to labor. He coveteth greedily all the
day long : but the righteous giveth, and spareth not.

162 SECOND WBBK.

Proy. xiii. 11. — ^Wealth gotten by ranijy shall be dimin-
ished : but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.

pRov. XX. 13. — Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty;
open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied v^ith bread.

Rom. xii. 11. — Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord.

O Lord our God, whose name is most excellent in
all the earth ; who hast set up thy glory above the
heavens, and art worthy to be celebrated with
everlasting praises of men and angels; thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure it is that
they are and were created.

But, O Lord our God ! we have not brought
thee the glory of which thou hast made us capable.
Wc have often disobeyed and dishonored thee, in
the whole course of our lives ; forgetting the gracious
Giver of all our good things, who art never un-
mindful of us ; and weary to do thee service, who
art never weary to do us good. For these things
we desire to pour out our hearts before thee ;
entreating thee, for the sake of that mercy of thine
in Jesus Christ, which has moved thee to spare us
so long, and to do so much for us already, that
thou wilt be pleased to give us repentance and
pardon for all that is past. However we have
transgressed, O humble us duly under the sense
of it; and, for thy dear Son's sake, absolve us
thoroughly from the guilt of it.

And strengthen us, good Lord, with the Spirit
in the inner man, to make us more watchful against

TUBSDAY NOON. 163

the corruption of our nature, the temptations of the
devil, and the distractions and allurements of this
sinful world. O destroy in us every vicious in-
clination, every evil habit, and rebellious notion,
that exalts itself against the obedience of our Lord
Jesus Christ. And increase and confirm in us, still
more and more, thy true knowledge, and faith,
and fear, and love, and every grace of thy holy
Spirit, which thou knowest to be most wanting in
us, and necessary for us ; such as may make our
lives still more comfortable to ourselves, more pro-
fitable to others, and more to the glory of thy name.
Cast us not away from thy presence ; take not thy
Holy Spirit from us ; but direct all our ways to
please thee, our God, that thou mayest crown us
with blessing and good success. Help us to dis-
cover thy power, to own thy presence, to admire
thy wisdom, and to love thy goodness in all thy
creatures. And by all the comforts which we enjoy,
draw thou our hearts still nearer to thyself, the
blessed Creator of every comfort; make our medi-
tations of God sweet as well as frequent; that
delighting ourselves in the Lord, thou mayest give
unto us the desires of our hearts. And whatever
may be our condition and privileges in this present
world, O may we still be found in the way of our
duty, fearing God, and working righteousness ; that
we may secure our interest in the great Saviour of
the world ; so that when all here shall fail us, thou
mayest take us up, and be the strength of our
hearts, and our portion for evermore.

164 »ooNP wnn.

Such thy mercy and grace we beg for ourselves,
and all ours, and thine, every where, in the name
of our great Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

Stttalras <St)tmng.

Matt. xii. 36. — ^But T say unto you, That every idle word
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified,
and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Efh. iv. 25. — ^Wherefore putting away lying, speak every
man truth with his neighbor : for we are members one of
another.

Prov. xii. 22. — Lying lips are abomination to the Lord,
but they that deal truly are his delight.

Prov. xiii, 5. — A righteous man hateth lying: but a
wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Prov. xxi. 6. — The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Acts v. 3. — Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled
thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost ? thou hast not lied unto
men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words, fell
down, and gave up the ghost.

Psalm Ixiii. 11. — The mouth of them that speak lies shall
be stopped.

Rev. xxxi. 1. — The fearful, and unbelieving, and the
abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcer-
ers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death.

John ix. 4. — I must work the works of him that sent me
while it is day : the night cometh, when no man can work.

TtTBSDAT BVBNINa. 166

1 Thk88. iy. 11. — Study to be quiet, and to do your own
busineBB, and to work with your own hands, as we conl-
manded you.

2 Thess. iii. 11, 12. — We hear that there are some among
you which walk disorderly, working not at all, but are busy
bodies. Now them that are such, we command, and exhort
by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and
eat their own bread.

Most merciful God and Father, who hast safely
preserved us through another day, and loaded us
with thy benefits, we ar^ assembled together, to
acknowledge thy overruling providence, which
ordereth all things in heaven and earth ; which
appointeth the moon for certain seasons, and the
sun to know his going down.

Accept our united- and hearty thanks for still
holding our souls in life, and for turning away from
us this day those evils which we have most justly
deserved. We confess, O God, that we have for-
feited» by our manifold transgressions, every claim
to thy fatherly protection in the present life, and
have rendered ourselves unworihy of the blessings
of the life to come. But we look up to thee through
that Mediator, in whose all-prevailing merits we
are invited to come into thy presence, and to ask
for every thing necessary, as well for the body as
the soul. Now, therefore, O Lord our God, hearken
to the prayers of thy humble servants. Mercifully
regard us, while we draw nigh by that new and
living way which is consecrated for us through his

1(50 SHCO.VD WEEK.

blood. Enter not into judgment with thy servants,
for having so little profited by our many privileges
and graces. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity,
and cleanse us from all our sin. Pardon our
want of love to thee, and our undue love of this
prcsdnt world. Truly our souls cleave to the dust.
Quicken thou us, O Lord, according to ihy word ;
and let the love of thee only rule and direct our
hearts. Forgive, also, our many offences against
our neighbor, and against each other, as members
of the same household ; and help us in all things
to do unto others as we would they should do unto .or
us. As thou hast taught us that all our doings«
without charity, are nothing worth, send thy Holy'^
Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellei
gift of charity, the very bond of peace, and of all
virtues; without which whosoever liveth is counted
dead before thee. Let not the sun ever go down,
or rise, upon our wrath ; but give us more of that
spirit which thinketh no evil, which beareth all
things, believeth and hopeth all things, and dis-
poseth us to cover a multitude of sins. Teach us
to watch over our hearts, that no unhallowed
thought or propensity may lodge there to offend
the eye of the holy God. Take away iniquity
utterly out of our dwelling, and from among us,
and may we come before thee with clean hands
and a pure heart; that no secret or open abomina-
tions may prevent our prayers from being accepted
by thee.

TUESDAY BVBNINO.

[Here introduce any occuionu Collect.]

167

And now, O Lord, before we lie down, and
take our rest, suffer us to commend all others, with
ourselves, to thy covenanted mercies in Christ
Jesus. Send abroad thy Gospel, with all its graces
and consolations, throughout the world. Look in
compassion on the fallen race, and turn sinners
from the error of their ways. Look, also, upon
ihy Church and people. Pardon and heal our
many divisions ; and teach Christians to love one
^mother, even as they are loved of thee. Comfort
all who mourn, particularly those who mourn for
•in. Give unto them everlasting consolation, and
)d hope through grace. Shed abundantly thy
blessings, spiritual and temporal, on those among
'whom we dwell, and with whom we are more

«arly connected. Take them and us under thy
:herly protection; bless us, and keep us from all
. evil, both of soul and body, this night and for ever-
/ more, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

tOtlriuabas iStorning.

pROv. xxii. 6. — ^Train up a child in the way he should go;
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Peov. xi7. 11. — The house of the wicked shall be over-
thrown; but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

Job i. 5, — And it was so, when the days of their fasting
were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose
up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings according
to the number of them all : for Job said. It may be that my
Bons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did
Job continually.

Genesis xviii. 18. — Seeing that Abraham shall surely be-
come a great and mighty nation ; and all th«' nations of the
earth shall be blessed in him : for I know Itim. that he will
command his children, and his household after him ; and
they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judg-
ment.

Joshua xxiv. 15. — And if it seem evil unto you to serve
the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve : but as
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. V

Prov. xiii. 24. — ^He that spareth his rod hateth his son;
but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Prov. .txii. 15. — Foolishness is bound in the heart of a
child : but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Eph. vi. 4. — And ye, fathers, provoke not your children
to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord.

1 Tim. v. 8. — ^But if any provide not for his own, and
especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the
faith, and is worse than an infldel.

Deut. vi. 6. — And these words which I command thee
this day, shall be in thy heart : and thou shall leach them
diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when
thou sillest in thy house, and when thou walkesl by the
way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

WEDNESDAY MORNING. 169

O THOU, who formest the light, and brin^pst back
the morning, causing thy sun to ri5?(» on ilie evil
and on the good : lift graciously upoti us the light
of thy countenance, the light of thy Gospel here,
and the light of glory hereafter.

We aic sorry and ashamed, O Lord, that we
have not been more diligeul in seeking our heavenly
inheritance, aufl have made no l)etter progress in
the ways of godliness. We look up unto thee this
morning for thy pardoning mercy, and thy s:mcti-
fying grace. As thou hast raised our bodies from
sleep, so raise our souls from their spiritual slum-
bers. Dispose us more earnestl}^ to seek thy king-
dom and righteousness. Stir us up to the great
work that lieth before us, and quicken us dnily in
the way of thy commandments. Let not the pomps
and vanities of this world draw us aside, and
beguile us into lukewarmness of spirit. But make
us sober and vigilant against all the enemies of our
salvation. Steadfast in the faith, enable us to
resist our great adversary, the devil, nor ever
suffer him to get advantage over us. And so assist
us, heavenly Father, by thy grace, that we may
continue in the holy fellowship of thy Church, and
do .ill such good works as thou hast prepared for
us to walk in ; till, at length, being joined to the
great assembly of the faithful, we shall behold thy
face in righteousness.

[Hern may b« introduced auy occMional Prayer.]

170 8BC0ND WBBK.

Bless us, who are now before thee, in our
social connexion and employments. Make us all
of one mind ; leach us to love one another with a
pure heart fervently ; to bear each others burdens ;
and so to fulfil the law of Christ. Give us grace
to be faithful in our several occupations, and pros-
per us in that state of life to which it has pleased
thee to call us. Make us upright iaall our concerns ;
and deliver us from lying lips, and from a deceitful
tongue. Hold thou up our goings in thy paths that
our footsteps slip not. And let the very words of
our mouth, and the meditations of our heart, be
always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength
and Redeemer.

While we implore these great blessings at thy
hands, help us to love and praise thee, for those
which we are continually receiving from thee.
Many, O Lord God, are the wonderful works which
thou hast done, and thy thoughts of mercy which
are to US-ward. We cannot reckon them. If we
would declare them, and speak of them, they are
more than we are able to express. Praised be thy
name daily ; even thine, O God, who helpest us,
and pourest thy benefits upon us.

More especially accept our hearty thanks for
the protection and refreshment of the past night.
Mercifully spare us to meet again in the evening,
and to renew our praises, in the name of that
Mediator, through whom alone we now offer them,
in the words which he himself hath taught us. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

WEDNESDAY NOON. 17]

tDebnesban ^oon.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Morning or Evouing.]

Col. Hi. 20. — Children obey your parents in all things 3
for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Eph. vi. 2. — Honor thy father and mother, (which is the
first commandment with promise.) that it may be well with
thee, and thou mayest live long on tlie earth.

Prov. i. 8. — My son. hear the instruction of thy father,
and forsake not the law of thy mother. For they shall bo
au ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy
ueck.

Prov. vi. 20. — My son, keep thy father's commandment,
and forsake not the law of thy mother. Bind them continu-
ally upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When
thou goest, it shall lead thee : when thnu slt^epest. it shall
keep thee; and when thou wakest. it shall talk with thee.

Prov. xvii. 25. — A wise son hearcth his father's instruc-
tion ; but a foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness
to her that bare him.

Prov. xv. 32. — He that refuseth instructiori, despiscth his
own soul; but he that hearcth reproof, getteth understanding.

1 Tim. v. 4. — Let them learn first to show piety at home,
and to requite their parents : for that is good and acceptable
before God.

O Lord God, who hast heaven for thy ihrone, and
the earth for thy fooLstool, and evefry thing in both,
continually in thy sight, and at thy disposal, we
humbly bow down and worship l)efi)re thee. The
least of those mercies which we enjoy, is far above
any thing that we have a right to expect, at the
hands of that God whom we s«) greatly provoke.
Justly mightest thou, O Lord, withdraw thy mercies

172 SBOOND VBBK.

from us, and pour out thine indignation, making us
to find and feel by woful experience, what an evil
and bitter thing it is to fall into the hands of the
living Goil.

But, O Lord, without whom we cannot come
unto thee, we cannot so much as desire to come,
unless thou draw us while we are yet far off, and
meet us with thy heavenly grace, and sustain us
with thy almighty arm. Let it be thy gracious
pleasure, therefore, O blessed Lord, to set us free
from every yoke of bondage, that lies heavy upOQ
our souls, and unfits us to serve thee with that
readiness, and gladness, which thou requirest of
thy people. O help us so to see, and hate, and
bewail, so to confess and forsake our sins, that we^.
may have the well-grounded persuasion of thy -
forgiveness of them, and of thy acceptance of us in
the Son of thy love.

. For his sake, wilt thou grant us, O Lord, the
increase of thy grace, and such aids of thy Holy
Spirit, as may enable us to subdue our sins, and
fit us for all the duties of thy service. As thou art
not weary to do us good, but hast pleasure in the
prosperity of thy servants, O make us to abound
in thy work, and in thy love, and praise evermore.
Fill up all that is wanting, and reform whatever is
amiss in us, and perfect ihat which concerns us;
making us such in our hearts, and in our lives,
towards thee, our God, that we may obtain thy
peace here, and thy glory hereafter. O speak

WBBNBSDAT NOON. 173

peace to our consciences, that we may look upon
thee, our God, as a reconciled Father in Jesus
Christ.

In his great name, and prevailing mediation,
we enlarge our petitions, in behalf of the whole
race of mankind. Be gracious, O God, in thy
good pleasure to Zion ; build thou the walls of thy
Churd|^that we may see the good of it all the
dajjs.^P QSir life. Continue thy mercies to this
.sinful land? thereof we are sinful members. Teach
'us to hnprove by all thy dealings with us. Turn
=^|tU our hearts to thee, as the heart of one man;
<> . .and JQBfi^m all our lives, according to thy precepts,
thisfrtbc^. gayest cause thy anger towards us to

/ceaCie. Bless abundantly, all in authority; and so
replenish ihem with the grace of thy Holy Spirit,
I that they may always incline to thy will, and walk
]|f in thy way. Grant unto the ministers of thy Gospel
) continual supplies of all needful gifts and graces
for the effectual discharge of their several duties.
; Be thou a friend to all our friends, a father to the
fatherless, a refuge to the oppressed and friendless,
a God of consolation to the sorrowful, whatever be
their trials and afflictions. Bless to us all, what-
ever thou art pleased to allot, or permit to befall
us. Make all work for our good, to build us up in
thy grace, and to help us on to thy glory.

And as thy goodness has been extended to U8
throughout our whole lives, for which we desire,
O Lord, humbly and thankfully to admire thy love,

174 SBCOND TnSBK.

and to bless thy name, so we beg that we may
experience the continuance of thy fatherly care
over us. O defend, and bless, and keep us, thiit
no evil may befall us, or ours, nor any calamity
come nigh our dwellings. And prepare us, O Lord,
for rest in our beds when we have done thy will,
and for our last sleep, in death, and for those great
accounts that we must give before the judgment-
seat of Jesus Christ. O instruct and assist us in
what we must do to be justified and saved ; that
we may, in this only time of preparation, finish the
great work which thou hast given us to do, before
the night of death overtakes us, wherein we cannot
work. And whenever thou shalt be pleased to
give us the summons of death, may we find nothing
to do but cheerfully to resign our spirits into thy
gracious hands, who gavest them to us, through
the riches of thy grace, and the worthiness of thy
Son ; in whose merits alone we trust. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

tDcbneBlrag <fx)cnmg.

Col. iii. 19. — Husbands love your wives, and be not bittei
against them: — (Eph. v. 25,) even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it : that he might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be

WEDNESDAY EVBNIKO. 175

holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives,
as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
For no man ever yet hated liis own flesh ; but nourisheth and
cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. For we are
members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For
this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall
be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

1 Peter iii. 7. — Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them
according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto
the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace
of life J that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Peter iii. 1. — Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to
your own husbands ; that, if any obey not the word, they
also may without the word be won by the conversation of
the wives: while they beliold your chaste conversation
coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that out-
ward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,
'or of patting on of apparel : but let it be the hidden man of
the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of
great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy
women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being
in subjection unto tlieirown Imsbands : Even as Sarah obeyed
Abraham, calling him lord : whose daughters ye are, as long
as ye do well, and are not afraid witli any amazement.

£pii. v. 23. — For the husband is tlie head of the wife,
even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the
Saviour of the body. Therefore, as tlie church is subject
unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in
every thing.

O MERCIFUL Lord, our God, who loadest us daily
with thy benefits, and givest us richly all things to
enjoy, wo bow down and worship before thee.
We praise thee for continuing to us our life with
all its comforts; for blessing us in our families, in

17 G SECPND WBBK.

our persons, and in our friends. Help us to see
thy hand, and lo own thy providence, in all our
concerns ; and, with all ihankfuhiess of heart, to
trace up every earthly comfort to the fountain of
eternal love. But chiefly we bless thee, for Jesus
Christ, through whom all thy mercies are vouch-
safed. We adore thee for having delivered him
up for us all, that with him also thou mightest
freely give us all things. Truly thy ways are not
as our ways, nor thy thoughts as our thoughts.

And since thou hast promised, O Lord, that all
things shall be ours, if we are Christ's, mercifully
grant that wo may be made partakers of his great
salvation. Cleanse us from all our sins, and justify
us freely through the redemption that is in him.
Though sin hath abounded in us, let thy grace
abound much more. From all evil and mischief,
from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil,
from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation,
good Lord, deliver us. Grant that the power of
the love of Christ may be manifest in our hearts,
filling us with the hope of glory ; and tht^ having
this blessed hope, we may purif}'^ ourselves, even
as he is pure. Show unlo us all things, in our
hearts and lives, which are displeasing in thy
sight, that we may abstain from every practice,
and mortify every desire, which would cause thee
to withdraw thy presence from us. Make us holy
in thought, and word, and deed ; abhorring that
which is evil, and cleaviii": to ihut which is fjood.

WEDMBSDAY BVENING. 177

May we be daily more and more established in
grace ; and find joy in the Lord to be our strength,
enabling us to resist temptation.

Heavenly Father, may thy good providence
vouchsafe unto us rest and protection this night.
Thou, Lord, art our refuge, our fortress, and our
merciful God, in whom we trust. Maj' we, and ours,
abide safely under thy almighty shadow. Let thy
truth and faithfulness be our shield and buckler.
May no evil befal us ; nor the terror of any come
nigh our dwelling. And grant, we pray thee,
Almighty Father, that thy goodness and mercy
may follow us all the days of our life. Be thou
our constant ruler and guide ; and teach us so to
pass through things temporal, that we finally lose
not the things eternal,

O God, the creator and preserver of all man-
kind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and
conditions of men ; that thou wouldst be pleased
to make thy waj's known unto them ; thy saving
health unto all nations. More especially, we pray
for the good estate of the Universal Church ; that
it may be so guided and governed by thy good
Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves
Christians, may be led into the way of truth, and
hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of
peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, may
it please thee, to stand at the right hand of the
poor, and afflicted, and oppressed, and be unto
them a tower of strength under all their trials.

178

SECOND WBBK.

Grant, O Lord, these our petitions, through the
merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour; who livpth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

©Ijursbag iHorumg.

Col. iv. 1 . — Masters, give unto your servants that which
18 just and equal; knowinj^ that ye also have a Master in
heaven.

James v. 4. — Behold, the hire of the laborers who have
reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud,
crieth; and theories of them wliich have reaped are entered
into the ears of the Lord of Sabaotli.

James ii. 5. — Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not
God chosen the poor of this world rich in faitli, and heirs of
the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Matt. vii. 12. — All things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this i.s the law
and the prophets.

1 Tim. vi. 1. — Let as many servants as are under the yoke
count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name
of God and his doctrinti be not bhispliemed. And tliey that
have believing masters, let thoni not despise them, because
they are bretlircn; but rather do them service, because they
are faithful and beloved, partakc^rs of the benefit. Not an-
swering again ; not purloining, but shewing all good fi«lelity ;
that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all
things.

Col. vi. 5. — Servants, be obedient to them that are your
masters according to the fiesh, with fear and trembling, in
singleness of your heart, as unto Christ : not with eye service,
as men pleasers : but as the servants of Christ, doing the
will of God from the heart. With good will doing service,
asj to th(? Lord, and not to men ; kiiowinsr that whatsoever
good tiling any man dotrth, tli" same Khali he receive of tho
Lord, whether he be bond or free.

ISO SECOND WEEK.

1 Peter ii. 19. — This is thank-worthy, if a man for con-
science toward (lod endure srrief, sutTerin;;!: wrongfully. For
what i^lory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye
shall take it patiently ? but if, when ye do well, and suffer
for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Col. iii. 12. — ^Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy
and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, long-safiering ; forbearing one another, and
forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against
any : even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Col. iii. 25. — ^But he that doeth wrong, shall receive for
the wrong which he hath done : and there is no respect of
persons.

Epii. vi. 9. — And, yo masters, do the same things unto
them, forbearing threatening : know^ing that your Master also
is in heaven.

1 John iv. 7. — ^Beloved, let us love one another : for love
is of God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and
knoweth God. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but
that he loved us, and sent his Son to be tlie propitiation for
our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ouglit also to love
one another.

Almighty God, who turnest the shadow of death
into morning, and causest thy sun daily to rise on
the evil and on the good, we humbly approach
thee with the offering of our thanksgivings for thy
goodness and loving-kindness which have followed
us all our days ; and particularly for thy preserva-
tion of us during the night-season.

O Lord, we commit ourselves afresh this morn-
ing to that goodness of thine, which has ever been
extended towards us. Give us this day our daily
bread, both temporal and spiritual, and prosper

THURSDAY MOKNING. 181

ihou the work of our hands in our several callings.
And while many are inquiring, who will show
then) any earthly good, Lord, lift thou up the light
of ihy countenance upon us. Show unto us more
of the vanity of the world; of the worth of our
snuls ; and of ilie excellency of Christ. Teach us
that one thing is needful, and that one t^ing enable
us to do; giving all diligence to make our calling
and election sure, growing in grace and humility,
and increasing in tlie knowledge of thy holy ways.
Keep us, this day, with thy mighty power, and
grant unto us, O Lord, all needful strength for the
duties of it. Out of the fulness which is in Christ
Jesus, supply every want ; and with thy mighty
hand and out-stretched arm, save and protect us
from all evil. Show us thy ways, and teach us
thy paths ; and may they l)c to us ways of plea-
santness, and paths of peace. Take away the
carnal mind, which is enmiiy against thee; and
give us the mind which was in Christ Jesus.
Strengthen us, hy thy Holy Spirit, to mortify the
deeds of tlie body, and to preserve our minds and
conscience undefiled. May we never forget that
we arc strangers and pilgrims upon earth, as all
onr fathers were; that life is uncertain, as well as
short; and that in the midst thereof, we are in
the shadow of death. Give u^ grace to wjitch and
pray, since we know ncilluT the day nor the hour
when the Son of Alan conielh.

(Here r.iay be U5cd any appropriate Prayer.]

182 SECOND WBBK.

Finally, may it please thee, O most merciful
Father, to bestow upon us, and upon all ours, all
covenanted privileges, that by thy great goodness
we may be governed and preserved evermore,
both in body and soul ; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

9il)nve!baTai Noon.

[Or, with a Collect, for the Morning or Evening.

Titus iii. 1. — Put them in mind to be subject to princi-
palities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to
every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers,
but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

RoM. xiii. 5. — ^Ye must needs be subject not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake. For, for this cause pay
ye tribute also : for they are God's ministers, attending con-
tinually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their
dues: tribute to whom tribute is due: custom to whom cus-
tom ; fear to whom fear ; honor to whom honor.

1 Peter ii. 13. — Submit yourselves to every ordinance of
man for the Lord's sake; As free, and not using your liberty
for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

1 Ti.M. ii. 1. — I exhort therefore, that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks bo made for all
men: for khigs, and for all that arc in jiuthority; that we
may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Saviour.

1 Peter ii. 9. — The Lord knoweth how to reserve the
unjust unto the day of jndcrment to be punished: but chiefly

THT7RSDAT NOOX. 183

them that despise government. Presumptuous are they,
self-v^illed ; they are not afraid to spojik evil of dignities.
^Vherpas ang(?ls, wliich are groator in power and might,
bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and
destroye<l, speak evil of the things that they understand not ;
and shall utterly periwh in their own corruption.

Matt. xxii. 21. — Render, therefore, unto Cesar, the things
which are Cesar's ; and unto God, the things that arc God's.

Most blessed Lord God, we humbly present our-
selves before thy glorious Majesty, to pay unto
thee that homage and service, which thy greatness
and goodness, and many mercies, demand at our
hands. We are not worthy that thou shouldst, in
any way of mercy, notice, or be entreated by us ;
but worthy is the Lamb of God, slain to take
away the sins of the world. O gracious Father,
regard not what we have done against thee, but
what our blessed Saviour has done for us ; not
what we have made ourselves, but what he is
made of thee, our life and peace. Grant that
Christ may be to our souls, what he is to all thy
faithful people, wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanclification, and redemption : that his precious
blood may cleanse us from all our sins ; and that
thy Holy Spirit may wholly subdue our tempta-
tions, and mortify our lusts, and renew and sanctify
our souls; and quicken, and enable us for the
performance of all the duties of thy holy service.
Let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, that we

184 8BCON0 WBBK.

should obey it in the lust thereof. May there be
no sin in us but what is detected and uaderstood,
bewailed and resisted by us; and enable us to
approve our hearts to thee, the searcher of them,
and make all our ways pleasing in thy sight.

Teach us to know thee, our God, and enable
us to do thy will as we ought to do. Give us
grace to fear thee, and to love thee ; to trust and
rejoice in thee ; and to adhere and cleave in faith-
fulness unto thee. Suffer no temptations to draw
us, nor any tribulations to drive us from thee ; but
grant that all thy dealings with us, may be the
messengers of thy love to our souls, to bring us
still nearer to thy blessed self, and to make us
fitter for thy heavenly kingdom. Quicken us, O
Lord, in ourdulness; that we may not serve thee
in a heartless and listless manner; but may abound
in thy work, and be fervent in spirit, serving the
Lord. Make us also faithful in all the offices of
intercourse with our neighbors, that we may be
ready to do good, and bear evil, and forbear
revenge; and be merciful and patient, temperate
and self-denying, active and useful in the world :
thjit so glorifying thee here upon earth, we may
at our departure hence, enter into the joy of our
Lord.

O ihou that hast kept us alive to this hour, and
hast been good and kind to us through our whole
lives, we beseech thee to continue thy mercy to us ;
and as thou makest the outgoings of the morning

THr;C3DAY BVKXINa. 185

and evening lo rejoice, so lift up the light of thy
countenance upon us, and make us glad with the
tokens of thy love. And thou that art ever present
with us, O make us ever conscious of thy presence,
that we may wisely and piously demean ourselves
as the followers of a crucified Master. Be with
us, at our going out, and our coming in ; and let
thy grace follow us in all the circumstances of our
life. Be thou our guide unto death, in death our
comfort, and after death our portion and happiness
everlasting; for the sake of thy Son, our Saviour,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

Sl)nr0bas (SDening.

2 Sam. xxiii. 3. — He that ruleth over men must be just,
rulinf^ in the fear of God.

Isaiah x. 1, 2. — Wo unto them that decree unrighteous
decrees to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take
away the riirht from the poor of my people, that widows
may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.

Isaiah v. 22. — Wo to them that are mighty to drink wine,
and men of strength to mingle strong drink ; they have erred
through wine*, and through strong drink are they out of the
way. Thcv slmll be trodden under foot.

pRov. xxviii. 15. — As a roaring lion, and a raging bear,
so is a wirked ruler over poor people. The prince that
wantcth un«h'rstanding is a great oppressor. When the
wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

1 5?6 SBCOND WBBK*

Prov. xxiv. 19.— God accepteth not the persons of princes,
nor regardeth the rich more than the poor. Ho shall break
in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their
stead.

Prov. xxi. 3. — To do justice and judgment is more ac-
ceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Exodus xviii. 21. — Thou shall provide out of all the people
able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetous-
ncssj and place such to be rulers.

Jer. xxii. 3, 4. — ^Thus saith the Lord, Execute judgment
and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hands
of the oppressor, and do no wrong : do no violence to the
stranger, to the fatherless, nor to the widow; neither shed
innocent blood in this place.

Deut. i. 12. — Take you wise men, and men of under-
standing, and known among your tribes, and I will make
them rulers over you. The king shall write him a copy of
this law iii a book. He shall read therein all the days of his
life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep
all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

O Lord our Governor, who hast set thy glory-
above the heavens, how excellent is thy name
throughout all the earth ! Thy dominion is an
everlasting dominion ; and thy kingdom endurelh
from generation to generation. We adore thy name,
that our sins have not withholden from us the
blessings of the past day ; but that we are brought
to the conclusion of it in safety and peace. We
desire now to offer our unfeigned thanksgivings for
the good which thou hast already wrought in us ;
and for every mercy vouchsafed us : and, when this
life is ended, may we join the countless multitude
before thy throne, who rest not, day and night.

THXJRSDAT KVBOTNG. 187

proolairoing the praises of him who loved them,
and washed them from their sins in his own blood.
And, before we retire to the rest which thou
liast provided for our bodies, make us, we beseech
thee, partakers of that spiritual rest, which thou
hast promised to onr souls. Thou knowest, O
Lord, the folly and rebellion of our hearts; and
our own consciences also testify against us, that
we are verily guilty before thee, and altogether
without excuse. Mercifully forgive us our tres-
passes; receive and comfort us who are grieved
and wearied with the burthen of our sins. Enter
not into judgment with thy servants, who are vile
earth, and miserable sinners; and so renew us day
by day with thy mighty grace, that our work may
be done before the coming of our Lord to judgment.
Teach us to search and examine our consciences,
(and that, not lightly, and after the manner of
dissemblers with thee ;) yea, do thou, O Lord, who
triest the reins of the children of men, so prove
and try us, that we may see whether there bo any
secret idolatry, any indulged wickedness in us,
and may be led in the narrow way that leadeth
unto life. We are wavering and unstable, and we
acknowledge our proneness to turn aside continually
from the path of righteousness. Do thou, therefore,
place underneath us, thy everlasting arms, that in
thy strength we may prevail over all the assaults
of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Let thy
Holy Spirit, in all things, direct and rule our hearts.

188 SECOND WBBK.

Otant that we may love the thing which thou com-
tnandest, and desire that which thou dost promise;
and above all the objects of our desire, heavenly
Father, may we love thee, our merciful judge, our
pardoning God, our satisfying portion.

(Here may be need any occasional Collect.^

We beseech thee, also, O Lord, to give unlo
our fellow men, a controlling sense of thy holy
presence. May the ungodly remember that thou
knowest their manifold transgressions; and that
there is no darkness, or artifice, in which the
workers of iniquity may hide their heads. Let
thy continual pity cleanse and defend all conditions
of men in thy holy Church : and because it cannot
continue in safety without thy succor, preserve it
evermore by thy help and goodness. Comfort,
support, and sanctify the afflicted and Oppressed
every where ; and be a refuge to them in all their
troubles. Establish thy power in the hearts of all
who are near and dear to us ; make them a holy
temple, the habitation of thy blessed Spirit ; and
may they find and ieel, in the abundance of thy
mercies, that thou art the Lord their God. Guard
their dwellings, and our own, this night, from fire,
storm, and every evil accident ; and grant that we
may enjoy such refreshing sleep ^s may fit us for
the duties of the following day ; which things we
beg for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.

Our Father, &c.

Jribag iHoruing.

Matt. xv. 18. — This people draweth nigh unto me with
their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips ; but their heart
ii far from mo. Matt. xxvi. 41. — Be not rash with thy
mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing
before God ; for God is in heaven and thou upon earth, there-
fore let thy words be few. Matt. vii. 11. — If ye, being evil,
know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more ihall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask him? Eccles. v. 2. — Watch and pray, that
ye enter not into temptation : the spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak. 2 Chron. vii. 14. — If my people shall
humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn
from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and
"Will forgive their sins and will heal their land. John xv. 7.
—If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Matt. vii. 7. —
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that
askcth receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. Prov. xv. 29. — The Lord
]■ far from the wicked : but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous. 1 John v. 14. — And this is the confidence that we
have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will,
he hoaroth us. 1 John iii. 22. — And whatsoever we ask, we
receive of him, because we keep liis commandments, and do
those things that are pleasing in his sight. John xvi. 23. —
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he shall
give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:
ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy mJiy be full. 1 Tim.
iv. 4. — Every creature of God is jroo»l, and nothing to be
r»jfused, if it be received with thankst^iving: for it is sancti-
fied by the word of God, and prayer. M.itt. xviii. 19. — Again

190 SBCOND WEEK.

I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth, as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for
them of my Father which is in heaven. Matt, xviii. 20. —
For where two or three arc gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. Rom. viii. 26. — Likewise
the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Psalm xv. 17. — Evening and morning, and at noon, will I
cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. Psalm Ixv. 2. — G
thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

O God, Maker of the world, and of all that is
therein, worthy art ihoa to receive glory, and
honor, and power; for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
In thy hand is our life ; and thine are all our ways ;
we are thine by creation and redemption : not our
own, but bought with a price, and joined to thee
in an everlasting covenant. We praise thee for
thy goodness, in having brought us safely to the
beginning of another day; for thy preservation of
us during our past lives ; for all the percies which
thou hast bestowed upon us, notwithstanding our
repeated transgressions ; but especially for Jesus
Christ our Saviour, and in Him for all our means
of grace and hopes ofglorJ^

That we may value thy goodness as we ought,
teach us, O Lord, to know both our dependence
and our unworihiness. We have sinned with our
fathers, and done wickedly. But, O merciful Fa-
ther, absolve us from our offences ; pardon the

FRIDAY MORNING. 191

sinfulness of our corrupt nature, and the transgres-
sions which by our frailty we have committed ;
and deliver us from the bands of frailty and sin,
that iniquity may not be our ruin. Dwell in us
by thy Holy Spirit. Amidst all our worldly cares
and occupation, may we never forget thee, but
remember that we are walking in thy sight. Enable
us to subdue all unholy desires; and, denying all
ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly,
righteously, and godly in this present world. Pre-
serve us from carelessness in the concerns of our
souls or bodies: that we may not be slothful in
business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Dispose us to regard one another with brotherly
affection; and enable us to do our duty in that
state of life to which thou* hast called us, not with
eye service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of
heart, fearing thee.

[Here may be introduced any occasiono] Prayer.]

Be pleased, O Lord, to comfort and succor the
oppressed and the afflicted ; and dispose us all to
compassionate each other. 'Spread the knowledge
of thy word ; and prosper thy Church in diffusing
and upliolding true religion. Preserve us all in
the unity of the faith, in the bond of peace, and in
righteousness of life; and finally bring us to thy
kingdom in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our Father, &c.

199 8X00ND WBBK.

Sxiba^Q Noon.

[Or, with a Collect, for th« Mominf or Eroninf .]

1 John iii. 23. — This is his commandment, that ye should
believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one
another.

14. — ^\Ve know that we have passed from death unto life,
because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death.

18. — My little children, let us not love in word, neither
in tongue, but in deed, and in truth.

Prov. xix. 17. — He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to
the Lord : and that which he hath given Ivill he repay him.

Exodus xxii. 25. — If thou lend to any of thy people that
is poor, thou shalt not bo to him as a usurer, neither shalt
thou lay upon him usury.

Prov. iii. 28 — Say not to thy neighbor, Go, and come
again ; when thou hast it by thee.

1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19. — Charge them who are rich in this
world, thai they be ready to give, and glad to distribute ;
laying up in store for tliemselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

2 Cor. ix. 6, 7. — He that soweth little shall reap little,
and he that soweth plentcously shall reap pleuteously. Let
every man do according as ho is disposed in his heart, not
grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Matt. vi. 34. — When tiiou docst thine alms, let not thy
right hand know what thy left hand doeth, that thine alms
may be in secret ; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall
reward thee openly.

Isaiah Iviii. 6,7. — Is not this the fast that I have chosen,
saith the Lord, to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that
thou bring the poor that are cast out to thine liouse : when
thou seest the naked, that thou cover him ; and that thou
hide not thyself from tliine own flesh. Then shalt thou call,
and the Lord will answer.

FRIDAY NOON. 198

Matt. x. 42. — ^Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of
these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a
disciple, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

21. — Sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven.

Matt. vii. 21. — Not every one that saith unto me. Lord,
Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in heaven.

O Lord God, ^Sovereign of heaven and earthy
against Avhom all our sins have been committed,
by whom alone they can be pardoned, our souls
sanctified, and our wants supplied ; we have none
to repair to for remedy against the evils of our
sins, but unto thee, the great God, whom we have
grievously offended. But remember thy mercies
and thy covenant of old; and looking upon us in
thy beloved Son, spare us, and be not angry with
us forever. Show us our guilty and lost condition
without him. Make us to feel the burthen and the
bitterness of our sins ; and help us to find them
out to our repentance and reformation, that they
may never find us out to our ruin and destruction.
Holy Father, carry on with power thy victory-
over our corruptions, and the work of faith, and
grace, and saiictification in our souls. Quicken
us, O Lord our God, and stir us up to thy work.
Establish in us the dominion of thy Son, and go on
to work mightily upon our hearts by thy grace^
till our souls are fitted for ihe eternal enjoyment
of thy glory.

194 SECOND WEEK.

To this end, be thon pleased to enlighten our
darkened minds with thy saving truth, that we
may not be unwise, but understand what the will
of the Lord is : and reform our depraved wills,
inclining them to a cheerful and ready compliance
with all the motions of thy good Spirit. Regulate
our unruly passions ; purify our corrupt affections ;
and convert all the faculties of our souls, to be
instruments of thy glory, as they have been of thy
dishonor; and make our bodies fit temples for thy
Holy Spirit to dwell in. Continue, we pray thee,
thy mercy to us when we lie down and when we
rise up. Sanctify our motives ; direct our under-
takings, and prosper our endeavours. Fill out
hearts with thy fear and love ; keep us from evil,
and help us to do that which is good^alKl pleasing
to thee ; that living here to thy glory, we may, in
the end of all our days, enter into thy rest, through
the merits of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

Jribas (BvtnxnQ.

Psalm cxxxix. — 0 Lord, thou hast searched me, and known
me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou
understandest my thouglits afar off. Thou corapassest my
path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my
ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord,
thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and

PBIDAT BVBNINa. 196

before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is
too wonderful for me; it is high, I camiot attain unto it.
Whither Bhall I go from thy Spirit ? or whither shall I flee
from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art
there ; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If
I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy
right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness
shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee ; but the night shineth
as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to
thee. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, 0 God !
how great is the sum of them ! If I should count them, they
are more in number than the sand : when I awake, I am still
with thee. Search me 0 God, and know my heart: try me,
and know my thoughts : and see if there be any wicked way
in me, and lead mo in the way everlasting.

O Almighty and everlasting God, who art exalted
far above all blessing and praise, and yet humblest
ihy^elf to the prayers of thine unworthy servants,
be present, we beseech thee, with us, who are
now met together in thy name. As another day is
taken from the sum of our lives, give us grace to
remember that we are so much nearer to our latter
end ; and fill us with a true repentance for all the
sins and follies of our past lives. Cleanse us from
all our guilt, through the blood of thy Son, and
give us a peaceful conscience, and a good hope
through grace. Grant that the opportunities which
thou mayst yet vouchsafe us, may be improved by
us to the purposes of our Christian calling: make
us day by day more watchful, diligent, and devout*

196 SECOND WBBK.

By all tbe dispensations of tliy providence, whether
of good or evil, bring us nearer to thyself; and
make us tliine, in heart and life, as we are by
name and in profession. Quicken us, O Lord, in
the pursuit of heavenly things, and make us faithful
in the disclmrge of every appointed duty ; serving
thee with sincerity of heart, and doing to all men
as we would they should do unto us. Subdue in
us, by the power of thy grace, every evil affection ;
and make our conversation to be such as becometh
the people of the Lord. Almighty God, vouchsafe
to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and
bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works
of thy commandments. Let neither pleasure, nor
profit, nor anger, nor fear, make us forget the very
least of thy commandments ; but increase in us
more and more all the Christian graces and virtues.
Heavenly Father, receive our humble prayers
for all conditions of men. Grant that all, who
confess thy holy name, may live in unity, holiness,
and zeal. Show forth the po^er of thy grace, by
enlightening those that are in darkness, and by
converting those that are in sin. Endue all orders
and degrees of men amongst us, with such virtues
as may most conduce to thy honor and glory, and
to the good of thy Church and people. We com-
mend to thy fatherly goodness all our relations and
friends ; beseeching thee to take them and us into
thy holy keeping this night; defend us from all
evil and from the fear of any. Prepare us, both in

FRIDAY EVBNINO.

197

soul and body, to serve thee faithfully another day.
And give us time and grace to make our peace
with thee, before we go hence and be no more
seen. Hear us, O Lord, for thy dear Son's sake,
and answer us according to the comprehensive
spirit of that prayer which he hath taught us :
Our Father, &c.

SatttrlraQ Morning.

1 Sam. XX. 3. — There is but a step between me and death.
Psalm ciii. 15. — Man's days are as grass ; as a flower of the
field so he fiourisheth. For the wind passe th oyer it, and it
is gone ; and the place tlie^of shall know it no more. Ecclks.
xii. 5, 7. — Man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go
about the streets. The dust shall return to the earth as it
was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Psalm xxxix. 4, 5. — Lord, make me to know mine end, and
the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how
frail I am. Behold thou hast made my days as an hand-
breadth, and mine age is as nothing before theo : verily
eYery man at his best estate is altogether vanity. O spare
me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence and be no
more seen. Job xxi. 23. — One dieth in his full strength,
being wholly at ease and quiet. Another dieth in the bitter-
ness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall
lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
Job iii. 17. — There the wicked cease from troubling, and there
the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together;
they hear not the voice of the oppressor. Numb, xxiii. 10. —
Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end
be like his. Job xxiv. 24. — ^The mighty are exalted for a
little while, but are soon gone and brought low; they are
taken out of the way as all others, and cut off as the tops of
the ears of corn. Neither shall "Vrickedness deliver those
that are given to it. Job. xxvii. 20. — Terrors take hold on
him as waters ; a tempest stealeth him away in the night.
The east wind carrieth him away and he departeth, and as
a storm hurrieth him out of his place. Eccles. v. 15. — As
he came, naked shall he return, and shall take nothing of
his labor which he may carry away in his hand. In all
points as he came, so shall he go. Who knoweih whether

SATURDAY MORNING. 199

it shall be a wise man or a fool that shall be after him.
£coLxs. ix. 5. — The memory of them is forgotten. Also
their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished ;
neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thiiflf
that is done under the sun. We brought nothing into the
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Rxv. xiv.
13. — ^Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from hence-
forth : yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their
labors and their works do follow them. Phil. I. 21. — ^For
me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I have a desire to
depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. Psalm
xxxvii. 37. — Mark the perfect man, afid behold the upright ;
for the end of that man is peace. Psalm Ixxiii. 26. — My flesh
and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart,
and my portion for ever. Psalm xxiii. 4. — ^Yea, though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil : for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Romans viii. 38. — I am persuaded, that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the
love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Cor. iv. 16.
For which cause we faint not ; but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Tim.
i. 12. — I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto
him, against that day. Isaiah xliii. 2. — When thou passest
through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest
through the fire thou shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the
flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy Grod, the
Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Luke xxiii. 43.-Wesus said,
This day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

O God, by whom the whole world is governed and
preserved, we, thine unworthy creatures, under a
thankful sense of thy providential care, humbly

200 8B00ND WBBK.

draw nigh unto thee to oflfer our morning sacrifice
of prayer and praise. We thank thee, that thou
hast protected us from all the dangers of the night;
O continue thy goodness to us through this day,
and preserve us from all dailgers both of soul and
body. Thou art about our path, as about our bed,
and spiest out all our ways : there is not a thought
in our hearts, but thou knowest it altogether. If
there be any thing there which offendeth thee, O
Lord, enable us by thy grace to discover and cast
it out, that we may come before thee with the
preparation of a clean heart, and a right mind.
We thank thee, heavenly Father, for thy patience
and forbearance, and for all the time which thou
hast given us, though we have greatly wasted and
misused it. Make us to remember, that every day
is thy gift, and to be used in thy service, and in
doing the work of our salvation. O may we have
time and grace to finish our appointed task, before
the night comeih, in which no work may be done.
Lord, spare us yet longer, that we may be better
prepared to meet thee at the last day.

We acknowledge, O God, thy numberless mer-
cies vouchsafed to us, and to all mankind; O make
us duly thankful for them all; and teach us to
show forth thy praise not only with our lips, but in
our- lives, by giving up ourselves to thy service,
and by walking before thee in holiness and righte-
ousness all our (lays. Enable us to resist the
temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil :

SATT7BBAT MORNINCk 801

and dispose us to follow, in all things, the motions
of thy good Spirit, not trusting to our own strength
or wisdom, but looking to thee for grace to establish
us in every good word and work. Increase in us
true religion ; nourish us with all goodness ; assist
us to watch and pray; that we may continue thine
for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit
more and more, till we come to thine everlasting
kingdom.

Be pleased, O Lord, to receive our humble
intertessions for all orders and degrees of men;
for all that are in authority, that they may be thy
ministers tons for good ; for the appointed teachers
of thy Word, that tliey may be true pastors of thy
flock ; and for all the members of thy Church :
that all may faithfully serve thee in their several
stations, and adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour
in all things. We beseech thee, also, to have mercy
upon all those who have not yet known thee ; and
who are yet servants of the world and sin. Take
from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and
contempt of thy Word ; and save them, together
with us, through Je^us Christ, our only Mediator
and Redeemer. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

ftBOOND WIBX<

0atorbas Noon.

[Or, with m Collect, for th« Momiof or Evwdar*]

AcTsxxvi. 8 — Why should it be thought a thing incredi-
ble with you, that God should raise the dead? 1 Cor. xy.
13. — But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is
Christ not risen : And if Christ be not risen, then is our
preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1 Thess. iv. 14.
—Now if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we
which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord him-
self shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead
in Christ shall rise first : Then we which are alive and re-
main, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with
the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.
1 CoR. XV. 35. — But some man will say, How are the dead
raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool,
that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die : And
that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall
be, but bare grain; it may chance of wheat, or some other
grain : So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption, it is raised in incorruption : It is sown in dishonor,
it is raised in glory: It is sown in weakness, it is raised in
power: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual
body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Acts xxiv. 15. — I have hope toward God, that there shall bo
a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. John
V. 28. — ^The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth ; they that
have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that
have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Isaiah

SATURDAY NOON. SOS

xzri. 19.— The dead men shall live, together with my dead
body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in
the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs : and the earth
shall cast out the dead. Daniel xii. 2. — Many of them that
sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake ; some to ever*
lasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contebipt.
Job xix. 26, — Thou<;^h after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in niy flesh shall I see God ; whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. 1 Cor. xt. 54.
— Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
" Death is swallowed up in victory." Job xix. 25. — I knoW
that 'my Redeemer livcth, and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms
destroy this boily, yet in my flesh shall I see God ; whom I
shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not
another. Psalm xvi. 9. — My flesh shall rest in hope.

O Lord, the great and glorious God, infinite in
power, wisdom, and goodness, who hast created
all things by thy Almighty hand, thou sustainest
and orderest all that thou hast made by thy wise
and righteous providence ; and thy mercy is ever*
lasting, and over all thy works.

But we have made unworthy returns for thy
great and continued goodness. With the guilt of
our inbred corruption hanging heavy upon us, we
are amazed at the greatness and multitude of all
our other sins, that we have committed against the
light of thy Gospel, the strivings of thy Spirit, and
the love and sufferings of thy Son. We have noth'
ing to plead, blessed Lord, but thy own gracious
nature, and the many promises which thou bast
made to returning sinners in Jesus Christ. O for

204 SECOND WBBK*

bis sake be thou pleased to pity us, and spare us,
and forgive us, and grant us that peace which
passeth all understanding.

And because such is the infirmity of our nature,
that without thy grace we have not power to keep
ourselves even from the greatest sins, O do thou,
heavenly Father, fortify us against all temptation,
and make us willing and faithful, and diligent in
thy service. So discover and manifest thyself to
our souls, that we may know aright thee, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
Enable us to live and practise, according to that
knowledge of our duty which thou art pleased to
impart, that we may not hold the truth in unrighte-
ousness, but may walk in the light, as children of
light, while we have it, that we may never in
judgment be deprived of it. Let us not only be
almost, but altogether Christians, sincere converts,
true penitents and sound believers. And wilt thou,
O God, that workest all in all, do the work of thy
grace thoroughly upon our hearts, for which we
may have cause to give thee praise and glory to
all eternity.

The same things also we beg, O Lord, in behalf
of all that ought to share in our prayers. O for-
give the sins, and relieve the miseries of thy poor
creatures every where. Grant that all who are
called christians, may be truly christian, both in
right believing, and holy living. Advance the
interests, and extend the limits of thy Son's king-

SATURDAY NOON. 205

dom, and may all nations flow into it, as to their
rest. Bless our land, and endue those who direct
public aifairs, with wisdom from on high. Make
them all men fearing God, and eschewing evil.
May all who are called to serve at thy altar, be
blessed with compassionate hearts, and holy, ex-
emplary lives. Make them wise to win souls, and
faithful, industrious, and successful in their sacred
office. Remember them all for good, who have
been any way instruments of our good; and all
that have, or would hurt us, O Lord forgive them,
dive unto all that mourn in Zion, beauty for ashes,
and the garments of praise for the spirit of heavi-
ness. And in the time of our health and prosperity,
may we remember, and provide for the time of
trouble, and sickness, and death, when all worldly
succor will fail us, and the greatest powers on
earth cannot deliver us from thy just retribution.
Make us now so mindful of our duty, that thou
mayest then be with us in mercy, and never leave
nor forsake us. Which we beg for the all-sufficient
merits of Jesus Christ, our only Redeemer; to
whom, with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost
the Comforter, be all praise, and honor, and glory,
now and for evermore. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

SHM 8B00in> WBBK.

iSatorlras ClDtninig.

£ccL£8. xii. 13. — Let us hear the conclusion of the whole
matter ; Fear God, and keep his commandments : for this is
the whole duty of man. For God shall hring every work
into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good,
or whether it be evil. Acts xvii. 31. — Because he hath ap-
pointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in
righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained : whereof
he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised
him from the dead. 2 Pitbr iii. 7. — The heavens and the
earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store,
reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition
of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come as a
thief ill the sight ; in the which the heavens shall pass away
with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be
burned up* Mark xiii. 26. — And tli'en shall they see the Son
of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together
his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the
earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Rev. xx. 11. — And I
saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found
no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand
before God j and the books were opened : and another book
was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works. 2 Peter iii. 11. — Seeing then
that all these things shall be dissolvedj what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
Wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be
diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot,
and blameless.

SATtmDAir BVBiriNa. 207

Albhohtt God, who alone art able to helpr our
infirmities, pour down upon us the spirit of grace
and supplication, teach us so to pray, that we may
be heard and answered, through the mediation of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We venture to present ourselves before thee,
O Lord, laden as we are with the guilt of all the
sins of this week, and of our past lives, because
thou art long-suffering, and of great pity, forgiving
iniquity, and transgression, and sin. As the heavens
are higher than the earth, so great let thy mercy
be towards us. Far as the east is from the west,
so far do thou remove our transgressions from us.
Having adopted us into thy family, O take away
our guilt; and reconcile us unto thyself through the
blood of thy beloved Son.

We pray thee, also, O Lord, to discover to us
more of the evil of sin, that we may know more
of thy grace and mercy in pardoning it ; and more
of the loving-kindness of God our Saviour in dying
to redeem us from it. Grant that the old Adam
may be so buried, that the new man may be raised
up in us. Grant that all carnal affections may die
in us ; and that all things belonging to the Spirit
may live and grow in us. Grant that we may have
power and strength to have victory, and to triumph
against the devil, the world, and the fleshi«

Defend us, O God, our preserver, through the
night season. When we lie down on our beds,
may we commune with our own hearts, and think

908 BBOOND WBBK.

of all thy goodness towards us. And may we
awake in the morning, tilled with a due sense of
thy mercies, and with sincere purposes of living to
thy glory. May the Spirit of him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in us, and quicken us
in all the duties of thy holy day. Raise our
thoughts from the things of this world, and fix them
upon those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth at thy right hand. Help us fervently to join
the prayers and praises of thy people in the courts
of thy sanctuary, to guard our hearts, to sanctify
our conversation, to worship thee in the family and
in the closet, and to feel the power of thy divine
word.

O let not our past abuse of thy Sabbaths, and
of thy other mercies, provoke thee to take from
us the strivings of thy Holy Spirit. But rather,
do thou give unto us true repentance, and a greater
measure of strength from above; that we may stir
up the gift of God that is in us, and be quickened
to greater diligence in improving the means of
grace and salvation.

Holy Father, vouchsafe these, and all other
spiritual jpercies to the whole race of mankind.
Put thy fear in the hearts of those who have no
fear of thee before their eyes. May they tremble
at the thought, that thou, O God, knowest them,
and wilt render unto every one according to his
deeds. Keep thy household, the Church, in con-
tinual godliness; that, through thy protection, it

SATURDAY BVENINa. 209

may be free from all adversities, and devoutly
given to serve thee, in good works, to the glory
of thy name. Defend and bless, with thy most
gracious providence, our relations, friends, and
benefactors ; and grant that we may all be loved
of thee. Let our dwellings, our persons, our sub-
stance, and all that we have, be protected and
blessed of thee, the God of all mercy, this night,
and for evermore.

[Here introduce any ftppropriate Collect.]

Favourably regard, O heavenly Father, this our
evening sacrifice ; and answer us, we beseech thee,
in these, and all our prayers, which we have made
before thee during the week ; pardoning what has
been sinful in us ; receiving the glory of all that
has been pleasing in thy sight; and graciously
accepting us, and our imperfect services, at the
hands of Jesus Christ; to whom, with Thee and
the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world
without end. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

HYMN FOR MORNING OR EVENING, (c. m.)

1 Bkholo, 0 Lord, a household meet,

To offer praise and prayer ;
And whilst we worship at thy feet,
Vouchsafe thy gracious ear.

2 Our lires and times are in thy hand,

Our springs are aU in thee ;

We live or die at thy command.

And yet how vile are we !

3 Look down propitious, mighty God,

And pardon all our sin ;
Our house and hearts make thine abode.
And rule and reign within.

4 Then shall our souls, and all our pow'rs

Be thine, and thine alone;
Our happy days, and nights, and hours,
And all we have, thine own.

SHORTER PRAYERS

FOE A FAMILY.

% Morning Eraser.

Psalm cxxi. — I will liA up mine eyes unto the hills, from
whence cometh my help. My help cometh even from the
Lord, who hath made heaven and earth. He will not sufier
thy foot to he moved : and he that keepeth thee will not
sleep. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber
nor sleep. The Lord himself Is thy keeper : the Lord is thy
defence upon thy right hand : So that the sun shall not bum
thee by day, neither the moon by night. The Lord shall
preserve thee from all evil; yea, it is even he that shall
keep thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and
thy coming in, from this time forth for evermore.

O Almighty God, by whose wisdom and power
we were created, and by whose providence we
are sustained, we give thee humble thanks, for
that thou hast vouchsafed to deliver us, thy ser-
vants, from all the perils and dangers of the past
night, and that thou hast opened our eyes to see
the light, and enjoy the privileges, of another day.
Grant, we beseech thee, most merciful Father, that
we, through thy help, may both faithfully live and
walk, according to thy will in this life present,
and also may be partakers of everlasting glory in
the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

213 SHORTER PRATERS

O Lordy we beseech thee, mercifully hear our
prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins
unto thee, that they whose consciences by sin are
accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved :
and because through the weakness of our mortal
nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant
us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy com-
mandments, we may please thee, both in will and
deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, the protector of all that trust in thee,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ;
vouchsafe, we beseech tbee, to direct, sanctify, and
govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of
thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments,
that through thy most mighty protection, both here
and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul.
Thou knowest us to be set in the midst of so many
and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of
our nature we cannot always stand upright ; grant
to us such strength and protection, as may support
us in all dangers, and carry us through all temp-
tations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

PsiiLM cxlvii. — 0 praise the Lord; for it is a good thing
to sing praises unto our God ; yea, a joyful and pleasant
thing it is to be thankful. He healeth those that are broken

FOR A FAMILT. 218

in heart, and gireth medicine to heal their sickness. He
telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them ail by their
names. Great is our Lord, and great is his power; yea, and
his wisdom is infinite. The Lord setteth up the meek, and
bringeth the ungodly down to the ground. 0 sing unto the
Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises upon the harp unto
our God ; Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and pre-
pareth rain for the earth ; and maketh the grass to grow upon
the mountains, and herb for the use of men. Who giveth
fodder unto the cattle, andfeedeth the young ravens that call
upon him. Praise the Lordj'O Jerusalem; praise thy God,
O Sion.

Assist US mercifully, O Lord, in these our sup-
plications and prayers; and dispose the way of
thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting
salvation ; that among all the changes and chances
of this mortal life, we may ever be defended by
thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three
Persons and one God ; have mercy upon ns, mis-
erable sinners.

Remember not. Loud, our offences, nor the
offences of our forefathers, neither lake thou ven-
geance of our sins : Spare us, good Lord ; spare
thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy
most precious blood, and be not angry with us for
ever. We beseech thee, to give us true repentance,
to forgive us all our sins, negligences and igno-
rances, and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy
Spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy
word.

214 sRORTxm nAYMmar

Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into
the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ; so by continual mortifying our corrupt
affections, we may be buried with him, and that
through the grave and gate of death, we may pass
to our joyful resurrection, for his merits, who died,
and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine
unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and
hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-
kindness to us, and to all men. We bless thee for
our creation, preservatidb, and all the blessings of
this life; but, above all, for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world, by our Lord Jesus
Christ ; for the means of grace ; and for the hope
of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due
sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be
un feigned ly thankful, and that we may show forth
thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ;
by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by
walking before thee in holiness and righteousness
all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord ; to
whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor
and glory, world without end. Amen,

Unto thy gracious mercy and protection, O God,
we commit ourselves, and all our friends and
relations, this night and evermore. O Lord, bless
and keep us. Lord, make thy face to shine upon
us, and be gracious unto us. Lord, lift up thy

WOSL ▲ FAMILY* 315

oountenance upon us, and give us peiace both now
and evermore^ for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son.
Amen.

Our Father, &c.

^notl)er 0l)ort iEtlommg |)rastr.

Psalm xxiii. — ^The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I
lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead
me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my
soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake. Yea, thought walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with
me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare
a table before me against them that trouble me; thou hast
anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be fuU. But
thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for
ever.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and ever-
lasting God, who hast safely brought us to the
beginning of this day ; defend us in the same with
thy mighty power, and grant that this day we fall
into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger ;
but that all our doings, being ordered by thy
governance, may be righteous in thy sight, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy
most gracious favor, and further us with thy con-
tinual help ; that in all our works begun, continued.

216 8H0ETEE PBATBBS

and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name,
and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen*

Almighty God, who seest that we have no
power of ourselves to help ourselves, keep us both
outwardly iu our bodies, and inwardly in our
souls ; that we may be defended from all adversities
which may happen to the body, and from all evil
thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul ;
and grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faith-
fully serve thee in this life, that we fsdl not finally
to attain thy heavenly promises, through the merits
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,

Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost,
be with us all evermore. Amen.

^notl)er 0l)ort (fft)ening JPrager.

Psalm xxxiv. — I will always give thanks unto the Lord ;
his praise shall ever be in my mouth. ' My soul shall make
her boast in the Lonl : the humble shall hear thereof, and be
glad. 0 praise the Lord with me, and let us magnify his
name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me; yea,
he delivered me out of all my fear. Lo, the poor crieth, and
the Lord heareth him; yea, and saveth him out of all his
troubles. The Angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them
that fear him, and delivereth them. 0 taste, and see, how
gracious the Lord is : blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

FOB A FAMILY.

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips, that they speak no
guile. Eschew evil, and do good ; seek peace and ensue it.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, and delivereth
them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them
that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be of an
humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous; bat
the Lord delivereth him out of all.

O Lord, show thy mercy upon us, and grant us
thy salvation. O God, make clean our hearts
within us, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

O Lord, we acknowledge and bewail our sins
and wickedness. For we have done the things
which we ought not to have done, and have left
undone the things that we ought to have done;
and there is no health in us. Have mercy upon
us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
For thy Son Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that
is past ; and grant that we, whose consciences by
sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be
absolved, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, who art always
more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont
to give more than either we desire or deserve,
pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy;
forgiving us thgse things whereof our conscience is
afraid, and giving us those good things which we
are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and
mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord.
Amen.

Almighty Father, who hast given thine only

218 SHORTER PRATBR8.

Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our
justification ; grant us so to put away the leaven
of malice and wickedness, that we may always
serve thee in pureness of living and truth. Thou
alone canst order the unruly wills and afiections
of sinful men ; grant unto thy people, that we may
love the thing which thou commandest, and desire
that which thou dost promise ; that so, among the
sundry and manifold changes of the world, our
hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys
are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, by whose Al-
mighty power we have been preserved this day ;
by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and
dangers of this night, for the love of thy only Son
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost,
be with us all evermore. Amen.

[This Apostolic Benediction is to be repeated after tlie Lord's Prayer, at the end

* of erery Morning and ETeninf OiBce.]

SELECTION FOR THE MORNING.

3lnotl)er 0l)ort JPrager for tl)e iHoming.

Psalm Ixiii. — 0 God, thou art my God ; early will I seek
thee. My soul thirsteth for thee ; my flesh also longeth afler
thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is. For thy
loving-kindness is better than the life itself: my lips shall
praise thee. As long as I live will I magnify thee in this
manner, and HA up my hands in thy name. My soul shall
be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness, when
my mouth praiscth thee with joyful lips. Have I not remem-
bered thee in my bed, and thought upon thee when I was
waking? Because thou hast been my helper; therefore
under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

O Almighty Father, by whose goodness and
providence we have been preserved during the
past night, and throughout our whole lives, into
thy care and protection we commend ourselves
again, as of ourselves being nothing, and having
our whole dependence upon thee. Accompany
us, we beseech thee, this day ; and by thy grace
preserve us from whatever is displeasing to thee ;
that the continuance of our lives being thy mercy
to us, we may not ofTcnd thee in thy own gifts.
Let the same grace, O God, enable us in the per-
formance of all the duties of this day, that neither

220 • SELECTION FOR THE MORKIlfO^

sloth, self-love, nor ill-company, may occasion in
us any omission ; but that we may be faithful in
them, and perform them all in the spirit of a
christian, that is to thy glory. By thy watchful
providence and pity, keep us from all occasions of
sin, and strengthen us in such dangers and temp-
tations as are unavoidable. Preserve us likewise
from all other misfortunes and ill accidents, and
suffer not the devil, or evil men, in any manner to
have power over us. Give us a tender conscience ;
a conversation discreet and modest, patient and
liberal, edifying and obliging. Set a watch before
our lips, that we offend not against piety, prudence,
nor charity. Preserve us from rash councils, and
dangerous enterprises ; make thy way plain before
our face ; prosper us in our several occupations ;
and sanctify all our actions to the advancement of
thy glory and our salvation. That we, living in a
constant sense of thy presence, and of the account
we must soon render to Thee in judgment, may
daily attain greater conformity to the spirit of thy
Gospel, and come nearer to the kingdom of God.
These things we beg not for our merits, but for
the worthiness of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen,

Our Father, &c.

^notl)er 0l)ort <Svtnm% l^va^tv.

Psalm i. — 0 Lord, our Governor, how excellent is thy
name in all the world ; thou that hast set thy glory above the
heavens ! For I will consider thy heavens, even the works
of thy fingers; the moon, and the stars which thou hast
ordained. What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and
the son of man, that thou visitest him ? Thou madest him
lower than the angels, to crown him with glory and worship.
Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy
hands : and thou hast put all things in subjection under his
feet : All sheep and oxen ; yea, and the beasts of the field :
The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea ; and whatso-
ever walketh through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our
Governor, how excellent is thy name in all the world !

O Lord, from thy high and holy throne in the
heavens, vouchsafe to look with mercy upon us
the children of ihy hand. Let our prayer be set
forth in thy sight as the incense ; and let the lifting
up of our hands be as an evenings sacrifice. That
it hath pleased thee to add another day to the years
of our life ; that none of thy judgments, to which
for our sin^ we are liable, have fallen upon us;
that by thy grace thou hast kept us from all scan-
dalous sins, and from the dangers of an evil world;
that thou hast given us occasions of doing good, .
and grace to make use of them ; that thou hast
supplied us and our friends with the necessaries

222 SHORT EVE NINO PBATEB.

of this life, and with means of obtaining a better;
accept, O God, of our unfeigned thanks (or these,
and for all ihy mercies, from day to day bestowed
upon us. Possess our hearts with such a deep
sense of our obligations to, and dependence upoa
thee, for life, health, grace, and salvation, that
religion may be our delight as well as our duty.

Lord, the frailtv of man without thee cannot but
fall. Tn all temptations therefore, we beseech thee
to succor us, that no sin may ever get the dominion
over us. But that we may serve thee with a quiet
mind, forgive us the things whereof our conscience
is afraid, and avert the judgments which we have
justly deserved. Remember not the offences of
our youth, and in mercy blot out those of our riper
years. Pardon our sins of the day past, and of
our life past, and grant that they may never rise
up in judgment against us.

O most blessed Advocate, who art able to save
them for ever, who come unto God by thee, seeing
thou ever livest to make intercession for us, we put
our cause into thy hands. Let thy power defend
us ; thy blood and merits plead for us : supply all
the defects of our repentance : renew us day by
day; and apply the precepts and doctrines of the
gospel powerfully to our hearts. By thy mighty
grace, O Lord, confirm and strengthen us in all
goodness during the remainder of our lives, that
our death may be a blessing to us, and that we
may find mercy at the great day.

8H0BT PRATBB FOR SUNDAY BVBNINO. 228

May the Almighty God take us, our friends and
relations, our benefactors and our enemies, under
his gracious protection. Give thy holy angels
charge concerning us ; preserve us from the prince
and powers of darkness, and from all the terrors
and dangers of the night ; and keep us in perpetual
peace and safety, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen,

Our Father, &c.

0l)ort JPraQtr for Qnxdfa'Q (SDening.

O Lord God, Father of mercies, from whom are
derived the comforts which we now enjoy, and to
whom we owe the blessed and glorious hope of
everlasting life, we desire to render unto thee our
evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. We ac-
knowledge thy goodness to us during the past day;
and we beseech thee to continue to us thy gracious
protection during the darkness and dangers of the
approaching night.

Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the
prayers, praises, and thankful acknowledgments
of us, thy servants, and of all thy people which
have met together this day according to thy will.
Accept, good Lord, of our weak endeavours in thy
service ; and pardon whatever any of us have
thought, or spoken, or done amiss this day* Par-

S94 8H0RT PRATSa FOR SUNDAT STBHZHO.

ticularly we implore thy compassion upon our
infirmities ; beseeching thee, in mercy, not to im-
pute to us the wanderings and coldness of our
devotions, nor to deal with us according to our
deserts, but according to our weakness and neces-
sities, and thine own rich mercies in Christ Jesus.

Preserve, and strengthen in us whatever good
thoughts and holy desires have been this day raised
in our hearts ; gind help us all the week following
to live in the love and fear of thee our God, and in
peace and charity one with another. Teach us to
set thee always before us, and wherever we are,
and whatever we are doing, to consider that thou
art about our path, and about our bed, and spiest
out all our ways. O possess us with such a lively
sense of thee, and of our obligations to thee, and
let the thoughts and certain expectation of death
and judgment be so constantly present to our souls,
that we may, every day, heartily serve thee, in all
the actions of christian piety ; and be unwearied
in well doing, to the end of our lives.

And forasmuch as in all our ways we acknow-
ledge thee, do not thou, O God, ever leave us, or
forsake us: but conduct us safely by thy counsel
and grace, through all the business and enjoyments,
through all the troubles and temptations of this life
to that happy place, where our Lord Jesus lives
and reigns with thee, in the unity of the blessed
Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

COLLECTS

TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE FAMILY PRATERS, UPON THE FES-
TIVALS OF THE CHURCH ; OR UPON SUCH OCCURRENCES IN A
FAMILY AS MAY REQUIRE DEVOUT COMMEMORATION.

lov tljt Incarnation

Impress, O Lord, upon our minds such a sense of
what our Saviour has done for us, that we may
celebrate all the mysteries of redemption, especially
that which thy Church this day commemorates,
with humility, with exalted thoughts of thine in-
effable goodness, and with most thankful acknow-
ledgments of thy great love to the sons of men.

Teach us always to look unto Jesus, the author
and finisher of our faith ; who, to reconcile us to a
state of poverty, chose to be born, and live in a
mean condition, enduring hunger, and thirst, and
cold, and not having where to lay his head : that
by his example we may be encouraged to sit loose
to \he world, may wean our affections from temporal
objects ; and feeling the vanity and emptiness of
this world, may more and more delight in thy lovOi
and in the oractice of true religion*

10*

326 00LLB0T8.

lov ^iTDent anb tl)e (Spqil)ans.

Wb adore thy mercy, O blessed Jesus, that the
glad tidings of thine appearance in the world to
die for sinners, which was communicated by the
ministration of angels, and by a bright and unusual
star, has reached this land of our nativity. Oh !
may we always show our value of this inestimable
benefit, by walking as children of the light, and
by compassionating and relieving, to the utmost of
our power, the miseries of those that still sit in
darkness ; by employing faithfully and zealously
every means of grace; and by aiding the dissemi-
nation of the Gospel.

Sox (Hljnetmas Ba^.

Holy and ever blessed Jesus, who being the
eternal Son of God, and most high in the glory of
the Father, didst vouchsafe to take our nature upon
thee, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin ;
assist us, with all admiration, reverence, and thank-
fulness, ever to receive and ponder in our heart,
this great mystery of godliness, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners. Quicken us,
O Lord, duly to express that thankfulness and de-
light which should animate every ransomed bosom.

COLLECTS. 227

We adore, with all humility, thine infinite con-
descension in being made man, in order to relieve
our misery, and to guide us in the way to ever-
lasting life. May we cheerfully submit to the
meanest oflSces, or most painful privations, for our
fellow men, and be resigned under all the most
afflicting circumstances of life, which the wise
providence of God shall think fit to lay upon us.
O work in our hearts such a lively sense of the
many and great blessings which thou dost procure
by thy covenant, that, adoring and believing in
thee, as our only Lord and Saviour, imitating thy
holy example, obeying thy holy commands, we
may be saved through thy merits, and at last reign
with thee, who art God blessed for ever.

€trcnmci0ton.

Wb bless and praise thee, O our Saviour, who im-
maculate in holiness, and almighty in power, didst
instruct us by thy example of submission to ordin-
ances. We thank thee, that in suffering thyself to
he circumcised, and in being obedient to the law,
thou didst sliow us the danger of neglecting to fulfil
all righteousness, and of hoping for thy favor,
without doing thy will. Grant us the true circum-
cision of the spirit, that our heart and all our
members being mortified from all worldly and

998 00LLB0T8*

carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed
will ; and after thy example, be ready to sacrifice
every thing rather than neglect our duty.

ITo be added to Monday Mornioff, Fint Waek.)

Wb bless and praise thy holy name, who art the
Lord of life and death, and who appointest to
every man his portion of days ; and we acknow-
ledge thy goodness in having brought us safely to
the beginning of another year.

Make us truly sensible of ihy merciful provi-
dences towards us, of thy care, of thy bounties, of
thy forbearance and love, during the last period of
our lives, most merciful God; and give us grace to
consider, that as another year of our uncertain life
is passed away, we are so much nearer to judg-
ment. Let us, in good earnest, set about the work
of preparation for death, that when the Lord
Cometh, he may find us so doing.

Spare us, O gracious God, yet another year,
and make us diligent and careful to redeem our
time, and to spend it in thy service ; that at the
end of it, and at the great day of account, we may
not be found to have wasted or misused the precious
talent.

O Lord, we solemnly dedicate ourselves to

COLLECTS. S89

thee for the ensuing year, and ihe rest of our lives.
But it is with thee to dispose our hearts to thy
service, as it is to lengthen our days ; be pleased
to make us wise unto salvation ; that we may con-
skier, while it is yet day, the things that belong
unto our peace; and that we may, by the help of
thy Holy Spirit, pass this year, and all the years
we have yet to live, in fulfilling our resolutions of
holier obedience, and in the comfortable hope of a
blessed eternity.*

We beseech thee, O Lord, to assist us in faithfully
improving the season of retirement and extraordi-
nary devotion, to whicli we are now called by thy
Church. Give us such a sight of our sins which
expose us to thy wrath, and such a sense of the
uncertainty of life, upon which our preparation for
eternity depends, that we may diligently use all
the means of pardon and increased grace, for the
time to come. Strengthen us, in imitation of our
Lord, to exercise abstinence and mortification, to
take up our cross, and to watch and pray, that
being weaned from the pleasures of sense, we may
feel the constraining power of thy love. May all
the ensnarements of the world fail to draw us from
our duty. And may thy Holy Spirit work in us
such sorrow for sin, and such purposes of amend-

330 C0LLB0T8.

ment, that the new life which we begia here in
tears, may conduct us to eternal life, in thy blessed
kingdom.

Jor ©oob'-lribaB.

[To be added to Friday Morning, Fint Week.]

Wk are before thee, O Lord, this day, in which
the Church commemorates the atoning death of
the Saviour, in the lowest prostrations of soul and
body, with hearts full of grief and sorrow for those
sins of ours, which crucified the Son of God afresh,
and put him to open shame. O make his death
availing to our pardon and eternal life. Take
away our guilt with his blood. Cleanse our im-
purities with his <>race. Henceforth we desire not
to live but unto Christ who died for us. Assist us,
O blessed Spirit, to purify ourselves, and to tread
in the steps of this humble, meek, and patient
sufferer. Keep in us such a lively sense of our
Saviour's agony and bloody sweat, that we may
bitterly hate sin, the cause of his torments ; and
leach us the value of our immortal souls, for which
he became obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross. Confirm our courage in the christian
warfare, that as good soldiers we may fight man-
fully under the banner of our crucified Saviour,
and that nothing either in life or death may ever
separate us iVoin his love.

COLLBCTS. - 381

Sov (ffaater.

We praise ihee, we worship ihee, we give thanks
lo thee, O blessed Jesus, for thy glorious resurrec-
tion, whereby thou hast made known the power of
thy divinity, and proved thyself lo be tl^e true
Messiah ! Grant that thy victory over the grave
nuay strengthen us against the fear of death; that
we may look upon it as a deliverance from sin and
sorrow, and as a passage to a happy eternity; and
that the infinite value of thy suflerings may support
us under the sense of that guilt of which we heartily
repent, and those penalties which we dread.

O blessed Redeemer, help us to rise from the
death of sin, unto the life of righteousness, that we
may spend the remainder of our days in securing
that everlasting happiness which thou hast pur-
chased, by thy atoning death.

lot tl)t 3l0cen0iott.

Wb rejoice, O blessed Jesus, in thy triumphant
ascension, which the Church commemorates this
day — when thou didst open the kingdom of heaven
to all believers, and didst sit down at the right
hand of thy Father, adored by angels, and inter-
ceding for sinners. Oh, wean our minds from the
\-anitic5 of this world, and place our affections

J93S 00LLS0T8.

entirely on things above, that w^ may spend the
remainder of our life in securing an eternal inheri-
tance. And do thou, O God, quicken and enlarge
our desires after those pleasures which are at thy
right hand for evermore ; that through faith and
patience, having finished the race which thou hast
set before us, we may be received into the joy of
our Lord.

Jbr tJDl)it^0Qn2r(ts.

We gratefully commemorate, O Lord, that descent
of the Holy Ghost for which thy Church praises
thee this day. O divine Comforter, enter into our
souls, and dwell there ; that it may appear by our
conversation and course of life, that thy grace doth
rule in our hearts, and abide with us. O adorable
Spirit, who cleanseth the thoughts of the heart,
• forgive us, we humbly entreat thee, if at any time
we have resisted thy blessed inspiration, and
quenched the holy flames thou didst kindle in our
breasts; and so purify our hearts with thy celestial
grace, and mortify and kill all vices in us, that we
may be fit to receive and entertain thee as our
guide and comforter. Then shall we know and
love ihee, and constantly do the things that are
right; and so walking by the influences of thy
grace here, we shall be fitted for thy glory here-
after.

COLLBCT8. 238

Sox Srinits 0Qn2»ag.

Eternal, self-existent God, we acknowledge with
all joy and thankfulness, thy great goodness mani-
fested to the children of men, in the wonderful
work of our redemption. We adore thy infinite love
and condescension. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
whose mysterious union in one divine essence the
Church celebrates this day. We thank thee that
thou didst take pity upon us, when we had lost and
ruined ourselves, and in the person of the only-
begotten Son, didst provide atonement that we
might live through him. We worship thee for all
the light and consolations of the blessed Spirit.
O Lord, fill our hearts with a sense of the homage
due to thy glorious Majesty, and of the gratitude
due to thy mercy ; and may our highest adoration
and praise, be joined with that of the blessed
company above, who are never weary of ascribing
glory, blessing, thanksgiving, and praise to thee,
not only in their own behalf, but even for thy
wonderful goodness to the children of men. Praise
the Lord, therefore, O our souls; and all that is
within us praise his holy name.

Jor tt)e Commemoration of ang of tl)e 0amt0.

We bless and praise thy holy name, for all the
apostles, saints, fcid martyrs, who having encoun-

2d4 OCkLLBCTS.

tered persecution and death, have entered into
eternal life in thy faith and fear. Particularly we
rejoice in the viclories over the world, and the
triumphs of grace achieved by thy holy servant

St. , whom the Church commemorates this

day.

Let that mighty grace, O Lord, which enabled
them to conquer all opposition, support and animate
us, who are surrounded with dangers and tempta-
tions. May we learn to be humble and meek, and
to submit all our desires to the will of God ; to
govern our senses by reason, and our reason by
the dictates of revelation ; to hold fast thy true
religion and worship, and never to live unworthy
thereof; to take up the cross, and to resist unto
blood, striving against sin. Let their mortified and
devout lives, their purity and charity, their patient
suffering, and perseverance unto the end, be always
so imprinted upon our minds, that in following
their example we may inherit those promises of
which they are now partakers.

Jor a |)ubUc Jaet JUa^.

On this day of public humiliation and sorrow, we
do humbly confess, O Lord, that we are sinful
members of a sinful nation, and thai the calamities
we are enduring, and the sufferings which we
dread, are less than our wickedness deserves.

OOLLBOT8. 236

We have abused ihy mercy, and trampled upon
ihy laws, and profaned thy day and thy worship,
and not trembled at thy threateivng judgments.
Thou hast shown us wonderful things in thy good-
ness, O God of our salvation, and hast protected us
from secret malice and open violence. Thou hast
continued to us the light of thy gospel, and the grace
of ihy sacraments, and with our other mercies,
hast given us security from the superstitions and
tyranny under which other nations have groaned.
But by luxury and extravagance, by discord and
fraud, by drunkenness and profligacy, the whole
naiion is polluted in thy sight, and thy people have
not mourned and wept as they ought to have done.
And now, O Lord, hear us when we cry unto thee,
and send out into the land a spirit of true repent-
ance and reformation. Awaken the careless, en-
lighten the ignorant, convince the unbeliever, and
convert the vicious. Through the blood of thy
beloved Son, pardon our sins, take us to be thy
people again, and reign in us by thy Holy Spirit.
O turn from us the judgments we are afraid of.
Say unto thy awful visitations, ** It is enough,"
and neither bj^ sword nor pestilence, neither by
famine, nor by the fruits of our own follies and
vices, pour out upon us the vengeance we deserve.
O av<)rt, gracious Lord, in particular from us who
arc here before thee, the penalties of the public
iniquity, and turn all our hearts to thee with an
acceptable penitence and faith. ,

236 00LLB0T8.

Jor a Somtg |)tr0on going out into tl^e iDorUk

Wb commend to thy most watchful providence
and tender mercy, thy young servant, who is going
out from among us, to encounter the dangers and
trials of the world. O do thou make plain his way
before him. Comfort him with a sense of thy
goodness, and go with him wherever he removes,
and in whatever he is engaged, by the ministry of
good angels, and by thy indwelling Spirit. Defend
him, O Lord, we beseech thee, against the evils,
and temptations, and disasters of the world, and
grant that he may never be led away by the wicked
customs and lusts of it; but obediently keeping thy
holy commandments, and walking in the same all
his days, may be an instrument of thy glory; and
after he has served thee faithfully in thiis world,
may be made partaker of everlasting happiness in
that which is to come.

lDI)en ans Member of tl)e Jamils to 0tdr.

Thou, O Lord, givest to thy creatures health and
strength, and when thou seest fit, visitest them
with sickness and infirmity ; be pleased now, to
hear the prayers which we oflTer in behalf of thy
servant who is dear to us, and who is now afflicted
by thy hand. Look down from heaven, behold,

oohVBcrs. 387

visit, and in thine own good time relieve him.
Direct to the use of suitable means (or his recovery:
and bless the application of them. Mitigate the
sufferings of A» disease ; and dispose him to place
all his trust and confidence, not in the help of man,
but in thy promises, and power, and love. Be
merciful unto Atm, gracious Lord, not according to
our deservings, but according to the necessity of
his case, and the multitude of thy mercies. In
submission to thy most wise and good disposal of
all things, we beseech thee, that this bitter cup
may pass away from thy servants, or give us grace
so to improve it, as to set us forward on our way
to life eternal.

Sot a 0uk €l)Ulr

Look down from heaven, O gracious Father, we
humbly beseech thee, with the eyes of mercy upon
the 'sick child for whom our fears are awakened.
Deliver Aim, O Lord, in thy good appointed time
from his bodily pain, and visit him with thy salva-
tion ; that if it should be thy good pleasure to pro-
long his days here on earth, he may live to thee,
and be an instrument of thy glory, by serving thee
faithfully, and doing good in his generation. Or
else, receive Am into those heavenly habitations
where the souls of those who sleep in the Lord
Jesus enjoy perpetual rest and felicity.

238 OOLLBOTS.

Jbr a JdmUn in !3lfflutton.

Thou hast taught us, O Lord, in thy holy word,
that ihou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the
children of men. Look with pity, we beseech thee,
upon the sorrows of thy servants who are now
before thee under thy chastising hand. In thy
wisdom thou hast seen fit to visit us with trouble,
and lo bring distress upon us. Remember us, O
Lord, in tender merc}% Sanctify thy fatherly cor-
rection to us ; endue our souls with firmness and
patience under our affliction, and with resignation
to thy blessed will, knowing that all things work
together for good to them that love thee. Comfort
us with a sense of thy goodness ; lift up thy coun-
tenance upon us, and give us peace, and make it
the harbinger of eternal rest.

lDI)en a Ivxtvib or iHember of ti)e JamilQ l)aB

gone to Sea.

Thou alone, O Lord, spreadcst out the heavens,
and rulest the raging of the sea. We commend to
thy Almighty protection, thy servant for whose
preservation on the great deep our hearts are
deeply concerned. Guard Am, we beseech thee,
from the dangers of the sea, from sickness, from

COLLBOT8. " 289

the violence of enemies, and from every evil to
which he may be exposed. Conduct him in safety
to the haven where Ac would be, with a grateful
sense of thy mercies.

^ Jlraaer

POR THOSE DAYS UPON WHICH THE LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE

ADMINISTERED.

Prepare us, we beseech thee, by thy grace, for
the worthy celebration this day of that holy ordin-
ance, which thy Son was pleased to appoint for a
continual remembrance of his death, for a pledge
of his love, and for a means of grace, to our great
and endless comfort. O may we discern the Lord's
body in it, and remember and adore the exceeding
love of Christ our Saviour, thus dying for us. Give
us repentance unto life, and endue us with a lively
faith, a perfect love, and an universal charity.
Enable us spiritually to receive the body and blood
of Christ our Saviour; that so all carnal affections
may die in us, and that all things belonging to the
Spirit may live and grow in us ; and that, being
continually refreshed and strengthened by thy
grace, we may persevere in all godliness unto our
lives end. May we never forget the vows of God
that are upon us ; that being not conformed to this
world, but transformed into the likeness of Christ,
we may be fit for thine everlasting kingdom.

940 CXILLB0T8.

TO BE USED WHEN ANT CHILD OF THE FAMILT HAS BEEN

BAPTIZED.

Through thy gracious favor a member of this
family is this day {or to be) admitted, by baptism,
into the Church of Christ, called into a state of
salvation, and made thy child by adoption and
grace : grant, we beseech thee, that by the con-
tinue! help of ihy Holy Spirit, he may be enabled
to lead the rest of his life according to this begin-
ning; walking uprightly before thee in the true
faith of Christ crucified, and finally through the
merits of Aw Redeemer, may he be saved from the
wrath to come, and enter into thy glorified Church
in heaven.

SI)ank0giDmg

FOR THE RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS OF ANY MEMBER OF A

FAMILY.

We humbly thank thee, O gracious and merciful
Lord, that thou hast heard the prayers of thy ser-
vants ; and restoring him who was lately brought
low by the visitation of sickness, hast raised him up
from the gates of the grave. Thou hast delivered
Aw soul from death, Aw eyes from tears, and Aw
feet from falling. O Lord, we thank and praise

OOLLBOT8. 241

thee for thy great mercy. Let it be good for us
that we have been in sorrow and affliction ; while
our humble trust in thy mercy is strengthened,
teach him and us the uncertainty of this life, and
give us grace to fix our hopes upon thy promises
of that life which shall be holier and happier.

9l)aQksgit)in))

WHEN A FAMILY HAVE BEEN PRESERVED FROM DANGER.

Thou, O Lord, art a strong lower of defence unto
thy servants against the face of iheir enemies ; we
yield ihee praise and thanksgiving for our deliver-
ance from that great and apparent danger which
threatened us. We acknowledge it thy goodness
that we are not delivered over as a prey unto it ;
beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies
towards us, that all the world may know that thou
art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer.

QTljanksgbins

FOR A SAFE RETURN FROM SEA.

O Lord, we gratefully acknowledge thy mercy
over all thy works; and we praise thy holy name,
as for all thy goodness, so especially that thou hast
been pleased to conduct in safety, through the

949 COLLBOT8.

perils of tbe great deep, thy servant, for whose
preservation we now desire to return our humble
thanks unto thee. May we*all be duly sensible of
thy merciful providence towards him^ and ever
express our thankfulness by a holy trust in thee,
and obedience to thy laws.

Sl)ank0git)ing

FOR THE REMOVAL OF PESTILENCE.

Although thou hast wounded us for our sins, an''
chastised us for our transgressions, by thy late
heavy and dreadful visitation of pestilence, yet
now, we bless thee that in tbe midst of judgment,
remembering mercy, thou hast redeemed our souls
from the jaws of death. We oflfer unto thy fatherly
goodness, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies,
which tlfiou hast delivered, to be a living sacrif e
unto thee; always praising and magnifying thy
undeserved mercies. May we never forget the
warning we have received, nor the vows we have
uttered, so that with grateful hearts we may live
hereafter in thy faith, and fear, and love.

THE DIARY,

OR \

A RULE TO SPEND EACH DAY RELIGIOUSLY.

SECTION I.

1. Suppose every day lo be a day of business : for
your whole life is such, a race, and a battle, a mer-
chandize, and a journey. Every day propound to
yourself an oblation of faith, and of good works, to
present to God at night.

2. Rise as soon as your health and other occa-
sions shall permit ; but be as regular as you can,
and as early. Remember, he that rises first to
prayer hath a more early title to a blessing. But
he that changes night into day, labor into idleness,
watchfulness into sleep, changes his hopes of bless-
ing into a dream.

3. Let not any one think it an excuse to lie in
bed, because he hath nothing to do when he is up:
for whoever hath a soul, and hopes to save that
soul, hath work enough to do to make his calling
and election sure, to serve God and to pray, to read
and to meditate, to repent and to amend, to do
good to others, and to keep evil from themselves.
And if thou hast little to do, thou oughtest to employ

244 TRB DIART.

the more time in laying up for a greater crown of
glory.

4. Al your opening your eyes, enter upon the
(lay with some act of piety ; first. Of thanksgiving
for the preservation of you the night past; and
second, Of the glorification of God for the works of
the creation, for his dispensations of wisdom and
mercy to all the world, and for his glorious per-
fections.

6. When you first leave your bed, solemnly and
devoutly bow your head, and worship the Holy
Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

6. When making yourself ready, be as silent as
you can, and spend that time in holy thoughts ;
there being no better way conveniently to redeem
that time from loss, than by meditation and short
mental prayers. If you choose to speak, speak
something of God's praises, of his goodness, his
mercies, or his greatness. Ever resolving that the
first fruits of thy reason, and of all thy faculties,
shall be presented to God, to sanctify the whole
harvest of thy conversation.

7. Be not curious, nor careless, in 3'our habit,
but always keep these measures.

First, Be not troublesome to thyself or to others
by unhandsomeness, or uncleanness, or peculiarity.

Second, Let it be according to your state and
quality, but rather under than above your condition.

Tliird, Make religion to be the difference of
your habit, so as to be best attired upon holy days.

fc.^-*.-

THE DIART. S46

8. While dressing, let there be ejaculations fitted
to the several actions of dressing : as at washing
your hands and face, pray God to cleanse your
soul from sin ; in putting on your clothes, pray him
to cloihe your soul with the righteousness of your
Saviour ; and so in all the rest. For religion must
not only be the garment of your soul, to invest it
all over; but it must be also as the fringes to your
various actions, that something of religion appear
in every one of them, besides the innocence of all
of them.

9. Then kneel and say the Lord's prayer ; and
rising from your knees, do what is necessary in
order to your farther dressing, or affairs of the
house speedily ; and then finish your dressing ac-
cording to the foregoing rules.

10. Retire to your closet, and go to your usual
devotions. It is good that the first prayers were
divided into seven actions of piety.

First, An act of adoration. Second, Of thanks-
giving. Third, Of oblation. Fourth, Of confession.
Fifth, Of petition. Sixth, Of intercession. Seventh,
Of meditation, or serious, deliberate, useful reading
of the Holy Scriptures. »

11. Your reading should be governed by these
measures.

First, Let it not be of the whole Bible in order,
but for your devotion use the New Testament, and
such portions of it, and of the Old, as contain the
precepts of holy life.

S46 THB DIART.

Second, The historical and less practical part,
let it be read at such other times as leisure from
your domestic employments will afibrd.

Third, Those portidns of Scripture which you
use in your prayers, let them not be longer than a
chapter at once. But what farther time you can
afford, spend it in thinking and meditating upon
the holy precepts which you read.

Fourth, Be sure to meditate until you graft
some act of piety upon the occasion of what you
meditate : either that you get some new arguments
against a sin, or some new encouragements to
virtue ; some spiritual strength and advantage, or
else some act of prayer to God, or glorification of
him.

12. Before you go forth of your closet, set
yourself down a little while, and consider wh^ you
are to do that day, what matter or business is like
to employ you or to tempt you ; and take particular
resolution against that, whether it be matter of
wrangling, or anger, or covetousness, or vain court-
ship, or feasting; and when you enter upon it,
remember upon what you resolved in your closet.
If you are likely to have nothing extraordinary that
day, a general recommendation of the affairs of
that day to God in your prayers will be sufficient :
but if there be any thing foreseen that is not usual,
be sure to be armed for it by a hearty, though a
short prayer, and an earnest prudent resolution
before-hand, and then watch when the thing comes.

THB DIART. S47

Upon the occurrence during the day, of any un-
forseen danger, or perplexing duty, if you can not
retire for prayer, immediately in silence lift your
heart to God for grace.

13. Take care that all the children and servants
of the family say their prayers before they begin
their work. The Lord^s Prayer^ and the Ten Com-
mandmeiUs, with the short verse at the end of every
commandment which the Church uses, and the
Creedy is a very good oflSce for them. To these
it is proper that some suitable prayer be added,
and they taught to use it devoutly.

14. Then go about the affairs of your house and
proper employment, ever avoiding idleness, or too
much earnestness of afiection upon the things of the
world. Do your business prudently j diligently f hum'
bly, ch(fritablyy devoutly,

16. Let there be no idle person in or about your
family, but find them all work and mecU^ according
to their station, call upon them carefully, reprove
them without reproaches or fierce railings. Be a
master or a mistress, and a friend to them, and
exact of them to be faithful and diligent, to Godf
to you, and their fellow men.

16. In your servants and children suffer any
offence against yourself rather than against God ;
endure not that they should swear, or lie, or steal,
or be wanton, or curse each other, or be railers, or
slanderers, or tell-tales, or sowers of dissension in
the family, or amongst neighbors.

348 THB DIA&T.

17. In all your intercourse with your neighbors
in the day, let your affairs be wholly matter of
business or civility, and always managed with
justice and charity: neither let it be matter of
curiosity or inquiry into the actions of others ; always
without censuring or rash judgment, without back-
biting, slandering, or detraction : do it not yourself,
neither converse with them that do. He or she
that loves tale-bearers shall never be beloved, or
be innocent. Resist the temptation to utter unkind
and sharp things for the sake of being amusing.
Talk of others as you would have them speak of
you.

18. As often as it is convenient, or can be had,
let the public prayers of the Church, or parts of
them, or of others, be said publicly in the family,
and let as many be present as you can. The same
rule is to be observed for Sundays and holidays,
for their going to church. Let no one servant be
always detained, bu^^ relieved and provided for by
changes.

19. Let your meal be temperate and wholesome,
according to your quality and the season, begun
and ended with prayer: and be sure that in the
course of your meal, and before you rise, you
recollect yourself, and send your heart up to God
with some holy and short ejaculation ; remembering
your duty, fearing to offend, or desiring and sighing
after the eternal supper of the Lamb.

20. After meal use what innocent recreation

TBB MABT. 349

time will allow, to refresh your mind or body ;
wiib these measures.

First, Let it not be too expensive of time. Se-
cond, Let it not hinder your devotioD, nor your
business. Third, Let it be always without violence
nr passion. Fourth, Let it not then wholly excite
and engross you; but let your heart retire with
some holy thoughts and sober recollections, lest
your afiections be carried off from better things.
Here you may be refreshed, but take heed you
neither dtoell here, nor tin here. You may use re-
creation, and avoid sin, and that it the but temper.
But if you cannot do both, be more careful of your
soul than of your refreshment ; and that is the best
tccurity. In what you find tends to sin, carefully
avoid it, and change your refreshment to some other
instance in which you can be more innocent.

31. Entertain no long discourse with any, with-
out bringing in something to season it with religion.
As God must he in all your thoughts, so, if it be
possible, let him be in all your discourses, at least
let him be at one end of it ; and when you cannot
speak of him, be sure you forget not to think of
him.

32. As early as praclicable in the declining of
the day, be sure to retire to your private devotions :
read, meditate, and pray. In which I propound to
you this method. On the Lord's day meditate of
the glories of the creation and redemption, of the
works of God, and all his benefits to mankind, and

SUiO TRB DiAmr.

to you in particular. Then let your deTotion be,
humbly upon your knees, and say over the 23d and
19th Psalms, and sometimes the lOSd* with proper
collects.

Meditate on Monday,

1. Death,

" " Tuesday,

((

2. Judgment,

« " Wednesday,

((

8. Hearen,

« " Thursday,

4. Hall.

On Friday recollect your sins that you have
done that week, and all your life-timei and let your
devotion be to recite humbly and devoutly some
penitential litanies.

On Saturday, at the same time, meditate on the
passion of our blessed Saviour and all the mysteries
of our redemption.

Upon these two days and Sunday you may
choose some portions out of The Life of Christf to
read and help your meditation, proper to the mys-
teries you are appointed to meditate, or any other
devout books.

23. Read not much at a time ; but meditate as
much as your lime, and capacity, and disposition,
will give you leave ; ever remembering, that little
reading and much thinking, little speaking and
much hearing, frequent and short prayers and great
devotion, is the best way to be wise, to be holy, to
be devout.

24. Before you go to bed, bethink yourself of
the day past: if nothing extraordinary hath hap-
pened, your conscience is the sooner examined;

THB DIART. 851

but if you have had any difierence or disagreeing
with any one, or a great feast, or great company,
or a great joy, or a great sorrow, then recollect
yourself wilh the more diligence ; ask pardon for
^hat is amiss; give God thanks for what was good.
If you have omitted any duty, make amends next
day ; and yet if nothing be found that was amiss,
be humbled still, and thankful, and pray God for
pardon, if any thing be amiss that you know not
of. If all these things be not in your offices, supply
them with short ejaculations before you begin your
last prayers, or at the end of them. Remember also
and be sure to take notice of all the mercies and
deliverances of yourself and your relatives that day.

25. As you are going to bed, as often as you
are not hindered, meditate of death and the pre-
parations to your grave. When you lie down, close
your eyes with a short prayer, commit yourself
into the hands of your faithful Creator : and when
you have done, trust him with yourself, as you
must do when you are dying.

26. If you awake in the night, fill up the inter-
vals or spaces of your not sleeping by holy thoughts
and aspirations, and remember the sins of your
youth : and that you shall soon die ; and pray to
God to send to you and all mankind mercy in the
day of judgment.

27. Upon the holydays observe the same rules;
only let the matter of your meditations be according
to the mystery of the day.

S6S THE DIARY.

28. Set apart one day for fasting once a week,
if practicable, or once a fortnight, or once a month
at least ; but let it be with these cautions and
measures.

First, Do not choose a festival of the Church
for your fasting d^y.

Second, Eat litde till your afternoon devotions
be done, if the health of your body will permit it :
if not, take something which may be the leatt
agreeable to your appetite and taste.

Third, When you eat your meal, let it be no
more than ordinary, lest your fasting day end in
an intemperate evening.

Fourth, Let the actions of all the day be pro-
portionable to it ; abstain from your usual recrea-
tions on that day, and from greater mirth.

Fifth, Be sure to design before-hand the pur-
poses of your fast, either for repentance, or for
mortification, or for the advantages of prayer; and
let your devotions be accordingly. But be sure
not to think fasting to consist in eating fish, and
aistaining from meats, nor that eating nothing can
of itself be pleasing to God, but as it serves to one
of these purposes.

Sixth, Let some part of that day extraordinary
be set apart for prayer, for the actions of repentance,
for confession of sins, and for begging of those graces
for whose sake you set apart that day.

Seventh, Be sure that on that day you set apart
something for the poor ; for fasting and alms are the

THE DIART. 263

vnngs of prayer. And it is best to choose that day
for your fast which is used generally by all Chris-
tians, as Friday and Saturday.

29. From observation of all the days of your
life, gather out the four extraordinary traits.

First, All the great and shameful sins you have
committed.

Second, All the excellent or greater acts of piety
which by Grod's grace you have performed.

Third, All the great blessings you have received.

Fourth, All the dangers and great sicknesses
you have escaped : and upon all the days of your
extraordinary devotions, let them be brought forth,
and produce their acts of virtue, i. e.

1st. Repentance and praj^ers for pardon. 2d.
Resolutions to proceed and increase in good works.
3d. Thanksgiving to God. 4th. Fear and watch-
fulness, lest we fall into worse, as a punishment for
our sin.

30. Keep a little catalogue of these, and at the
foot of them set down what promises and vows you
have made, and kept or broken, and do according
as you arc obliged.

31. Receive the blessed sacrament as often as
you can, endeavour to have it once a month at least,
besides tlie solemn and great festivals of the
year.

32. Confess your sins often ; hear the word of
God ; make religion the business of your life, your
study, and chiefest care; and be sure that in all

904 THB DIART.

necessary things a spiritual guide take you by the
hand. «.

Thou shall always rejoice in the evening) if
thou dost spend the day virtuously.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HOLY

LIFE.

As soon as thou awakest in the morning, lift up
thy heart to God in this or the like short prayer :
" Lord, as thou hast awaked my body from sleep,
so by thy grace awaken my soul from sin, and
make me so to walk before thee this day and all
the rest of my life; that when the last trumpet
shall awake me out of my grave, I may rise lo life
immortal, through Jesus Christ." When thou hast
thus begun, suffer not any worldly thoughts to fill
thy mind till thou hast also paid thy more solemn
devotions lo Almighty God, and therefore during
the time thou art dressing thyself exercise thy mind
in some spiritual thoughts; as for example, consider
to what temptations thy business or company that
day are most like to lay thee open, and arm thyself
with resolutions against them; or again, consider
what occasions of doing service to God, or good to
thy neighbor, are that day most likely to present
themselves, and resolve to embrace them ; and
also contrive how thou mayest improve them to the

utierraost. But especially it will be fit for tiiee to
examine whether there have any sin escaped thee
since thy last night's examination. If after these
considerations any further leisure remain, thou
mayest proBtahly employ it in meditating on the
general resurrection, whereof our rising from our
beds is a representation, and of that dreadful judg-
ment which shall follow it, and then think with
thyself in what preparation thou art for it, and
resolve to husband carefully every minute of thy
time towards the fitting thee for that great account.
As soon as thou art ready, retire to some private
place, and there ofier up to God thy morning sacri-
fice of praise and prayer.

|)raQir0 Cor tl)c Morning.

O HOLY, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons
and one God, have mercy upon me, a miserable
sinner. Lord, I know not what to pray for as I
ought, O let ihy Spirit help my infirmities, and
enable me to offer up a spiritual sacrifice acceptable
to thee by Jesus Christ.

O gracious Lord, whose mercies endure for
ever, 1, thy unworthy servant, who have abund-
antly enjoyed them, desire to rendftr thee the
tribute of ray humblest praises for them. In thee,
O Lord, I live, and move, and have my being:
thou first madest me to be, and then that I might
not be miserable but happy, thou sentest thy Son

866 THB DIART.

out of thy bosom to redeem me from the power of
my sins by his grace, and from the punishment of
them by his blood, and by both to bring me to his
glory. Thou hast by thy mercy caused me to be
born within thine own fold, the Christian Church,
where I was early consecrated to thee in baptism,
and have been partaker of all those spiritual helps
which might aid me to perform that vow I there
made to thee ; and when by my own wilfulness or
negligence I have failed to do it, yet thou in thy
manifold mercies hast not forsaken me, but hast
graciously invited me to repentance, a(S)rded me
all means for it, both outward and inward, and
with much patience hast waited for me, and not
cut me off, as I have most justly deserved, in the
acts of those many damning sins I have committed.
It is, O Lord, thy restraining grace alone by which
I have been kept back from any the greatest sins ;
and it is thy inciting and assisting grace alone by
which I have been enabled to do the least good ;
therefore not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy
name be the praise. For these and all other thy
spiritual blessings, my soul doth magnify the Lord,
and all that is within me praise his holy name. I
likewise praise thee for those many outward bless-
ings I enjoy, as health, friends, food, and raiment,
the comforts as well as the necessaries of this life,
for those continual protections of thy hand, by
which I and mine are kept from dangers, and those
gracious deliverances thou hast often afforded out

THB DIARY. S67

of such as have befallen me ; for that mercy of
thine whereby thou hast sweetened and allayed
troubles which thou hast not seen fit wholly to
remove; for ihy particular preservation of me this
night, and for all thy olher acts of goodness towards
me. Lord, grant that I may render lliee not only
the fruit of my lips, but the obedience of my lile,
that so these blessings may be an earnest of those
richer blessings thou hast prepared for them that
love thee ; and that for his sake, whom thou bast
made the author of eternal salvation to all that
obey him, even Jesus Christ.

O righteous Lord, who hatest iniquity, I thy
sinful creature cast myself at thy feet, acknowledg-
ing that I justly deserve to be utterly abhorred and
forsaken by thee; for I have drunk iniquity like
water, gone on in a continued course of sin and
rebellion against thee, daily committing those things
thou forbiddest, and leaving undone those things
thou commandest : mine heart, which should be an
habitation for thy blessed Spirit, is become a cage
of unclean birds, of foul and disorderly affections;
and out oi" this abundance of the heart my mouth
speaketh, my bands act, so that in thought, word,
and deed, I continually transgress against thee.
{Here mentian the greatest of thy »iii».) Nay, O Lord,
I have despised that goodness of thine which should
lead me to repentance, hardening my heart against
all those means thou hast used for my amendment
And now. Lord, what can I expect from thee, but

358 TRB DIART.

judgment and fiery indignation, which is indeed
the due reward of my sins : but, O Lord, there is
mercy with thee that thou mayest be feared. O
fit me for that mercy, by giving me a deep and
hearty repentance, and then, according to thy good-
ness, let thine anger and thy wrath be turned away
from me ; look upon me in thy Son, my blessed
Saviour, and, for the merit of his sufferings, pardon
all my sins: and. Lord, I beseech thee, by the
power of thy grace, so to renew and purify my
heart, that I may become a new creature, utterly
forsaking every evil way, and living in constant,
sincere, universal obedience to thee, all the rest
of my days ; that behaving myself as a good and
faithful servant, I may by thy -mercy at last be
received into the joy of my Lord : grant this for
Jesus Christ's sake.

O most gracious God, from whom every good
and perfect gift cometh, wretched creature that I
am, not able of myself so much as to think a good
thought, I beseech thee to work in me both to will
and to do according to thy good pleasure. En-
lighten my mind that I may know thee, and let me
not be slothful or unfruitful in that knowledge ;
Lord, work in my heart a true faith, a purifying
hope, and an unfeigned supreme love towards thee;
give me a full trust in thee, zeal for thee, reverence
of all things that relate to thee : make me fearful
to offend thee, thankful for thy mercies, humbly
under thy corrections, devout in thy Service, sor-

THB DIABY. 269

rowful for my sins : and grant that in all things I
may behave myself, as befits a creature to bis
Creator, a servant to his Lord. Enable me like-
wise to perform that duty I owe to myself; give
me that meekness, humility, and contentedness,
whereby I may always possess my soul in patience ,
and thankfulness ; make me diligent in all my
duties, watchful against all temptations, perfectly
pure and temperate, and so moderate in my most
lawful enjoyments, that they may never become a
snare to me: make me also, O Lord, to be so
affected towards my neighbor, that I never trans-
gress that royal law of thine, of loving him as
myself; grant me scrupulously to perform all parts
of justice, yielding to all whatsoever by any kind
of right becomes their due ; and give me such
bowels of mercy and compassion, that I may never
fail to do all acts of charity to all men, whether
friends or enemies, according to thy command and
example. Finally, I beseech thee, O Lord, to,
sanctify me throughout, that my whole spirit, and
soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom
with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and
glory for ever. Amen.

O blessed Lord, whose mercy is over all thy
works, I beseech thee to have mercy upon all men,
and grant that the precious ransom which was paid
by thy Son for all, may be effectual to the saving
of nil. Give thy enlightening grace to all those

260 THB BIABT.

that are in darkness, and thy converting grace to
those that are in sin ; look with tenderest compas-
sion upon the universal Church. O be favorable
and gracious unto Sion ; build thou the walls of
Jerusalem ; unite all those that profess thy name
to thee, by purity and holiness, and to each other
by brotherly love. Have mercy on this sinful
nation ; make us so truly to repent of those sins
which have provoked thy judgments, that thou
also mayest turn and repent, and leave a blessing
behind thee. Bless those whom thou hast appointed
our governors, whether in church or state ; so rule
their hearts and strengthen their hands, that they
may neither want will nor power to punish wick-
edness and vice, and to maintain true religion and
virtue. Have pity, O Lord, on all that are in
affliction ; be a father to the fatherless, and plead
the cause of the widow ; comfort the feeble minded,
support the weak, heal the sick, relieve the needy,
defend the oppressed, and administer to every one
according to their several necessities ; let thy bless-
ings rest upon all that are near and dear to me,
and grant them whatsoever thou seest necessary
either to their bodies or their souls, [flere name the
nearest relations.) Reward all those that have done
me good, and pardon all those that have done or
wished me evil, and work in them and me all that
good which may make us acceptable in thy sight,
through Jesus Christ.

O merciful God, by whose bounty alone it is

TBB DIABT. SSI

that I have this day added to my life, I beseech
thee BO to guide me in it by thy grace, that I may
do nothing which may dishonor thee, or wound my
own soul, but that 1 may diligently apply myself
lo do all such good works as thou hast prepared for
me to walk in ; and Lord, I beseech thee, give thy
angeU charge over me, to keep me in all my ways,
tbat no evil happet^ unto me, nof any plague come
nigh my dwelling, but that I and mine may be
safe under thy gracious protection, through Jesus
Christ.

O Lord, pardon the wandering and coldness of
these petitions, and deal with me not according
either to my prayers or desert, but according to
my needs, and thine own rich mercies in Jesus
Christ, in whose blessed name and words I con-
clude these my imperfect prayers, saying,

Our Father, &c.

At night, when it draws towards the time of
rest, bethink thyself how thou hast passed the day;
examine thine own heart, what sin either of thought,
word, or deed, thou hast committed, what oppor-
tunity of doing good thnu hast omitted ; and what-
soever thou findest to accuse thyself of, confess it
humbly and penitently to God, renew thy purposes
nnd resolutions of amendmenl, and beg bis pardon
in Christ, and this not slightly, and only as of
course, but with all devout earnestness and hearti-
ness, as thou wouldst do, if thou wert sure iby death

263 THB DIABT.

were as near approaching as thy sleep* which for
aught thou knowest may be so indeed, and there-
fore thou sliouldst no more venture to sleep unre-
conciled to God, than thou wouldst dare to die so.
In the next place, consider what special and extra-
ordinary mercies thou hast that day received, as
if thou hast had any great deliverance, either in
thy inward man, from some dangerous temptations,
or in thy outward, from any great and apparent
danger, and offer to God thy hearty and devout
praise for the same. Or if nothing extraordinary
hath so happened, and thou hast been kept even
from the approacli of danger, thou hast not the
less, but the greater cause to magnify God, who
haih by his protection so guarded thee, that not so
much as the fear of evil hath assaulted thee ; and
therefore omit not to pay him the tribute of humble
thankfulness, as well for his usual and daily pre-
servations, as his more extraordinary deliverances.
And, above all, endeavor still by the consideration
of his mercies, to have thy heart the more closely
knit to him ; remembering that every favor received
from him is a new engagement upon thee to love
and obey him.

(ffuening |)rager.

O HOLY, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Per-
sons and one God, have mercy upon me a miserable
sinner. Lord, I know not what to pray for as I

THB DUBT. 963

ought, O let thy Bpirit help my ioBrmities, aad
enable me to ofier up a spiritual sacriGce, accept-
able unto thee by Jesus Christ.

O most holy Lord God, who art of purer eyes
than to behold iniquity, how shall I, guilty creature,
dare to appear before thee ; I am debased in my
very nature, having a backwardness to all good,
and a readiness to all evil ; but I have de&led
myself yei much worse by my own actual sins and
wicked customs. I have violated my duty to thee,
my neighbor, and myself; and that in thought, in
word, and in deed ; by doing those things which
thou hast expressly fo/bidden, and by neglecting
to do those things ibou hast commanded me. And
this not only through ignorance and frailly, but
knowingly and wilfully, against the motions of thy
Spirit', and the checks of my own conscience to the
contrary ; and to make all these out of measure
r sinful, I have gone on In a daily course of repeating
these provocadons against thee, notwithstanding all
ihy calls to, and my own purposes and vows of
amendment; yea, this very day 1 have not ceased
to add new sins to all my former guilt, (i/tre
name the particulars.) And now, O Lord, what shall
I say, or how shall I open my mouth, seeing I have
done such things ? I know that the wages of these
sins is death, but O ihou who wiliest not the death
of a sinner, have mercy upon me ; work in me, I
beseech ihee, a sin'jere contrition and a perfect
hatred of my sins ; and let me not daily confess.

264 THB DIABT.

and yet as daily renew them ; but grant, O Lord,
that from this instant I may be divorced from all
my most beloved lusts, and then be thou pleased
to unite me to thyself in righteousness and true
holiness. And for all my past sins, O Lord, refuse
not a reconciliation, but accept of that ransom thy
blessed Son hath paid for me, and for his sake,
whom thou hast set forth as a propitiation, pardon
all my offences, and receive me to thy favo^?» And
when thou hast thus spoken peace to my soul.
Lord, keep me, that I turn not any more to folly,
but so establish me with thy grace, that no temp-
tation of the world, the dtvil, or my own flesh,
may ever draw me to offend thee; that being made
free from sin, and becoming a servant unto Cod,
I may have my fruit unto holiness, and the end
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O thou Father of mercies, who art kind even
to the unthankful, I acknowledge myself to have
abundantly experienced that gracious property of
thine ; notwithstanding my daily provocations against
thee, thou still heapest mercy and loving-kindness
upon me. All my contempts and despisings of thy
spiritual favors have not yet made thee withdraw
them, but in the richness of thy goodness and long-
suffering thou still continuest to me the offers of
grace and life in thy Son. And all my abuses of
thy temporal blessings thou hast not punished by
utterly taking them away, but art still pleased to
afford me a liberal portion of them. The sins

THB DIAKT. 265

of this day thou hast not repayed, as justly thou
mightesty by sweeping me away with a swift
destruction, but halh spared and preserved me
according to the greatness of thy mercy. (Acre
mention the particulars of that mercy,) What shall
I render unto the Lord for all these benefits he hath
done unto me ? Lord, let this goodness of thine
lead me to repentance, and grant that I may not
only oflbr thee thanks and praise, but may also
order my conversation aright, that so I may at last
see the salvation of God, through Jesus Christ.

O blessed Lord, the keeper of Israel, that
neither slumberest nor sleepest, be pleased in thy
mercy to watch over me, and mine, this night ; keep
us by thy grace from all works of darkness, and
defend us by thy power from all dangers ; grant us
quiet and refreshing sleep, such as may tit us for
the duties of the day following. And, Lord, make
me ever mindful of that time when I shall lie down
in the dust ; and because I know neither the day
nor the hour of my Master's coming, grant me grace
that I may be always ready, that I may never live
in such a state as I shall fear to die in ; but that
whether Hive I may live unto the Lord, or whether
I die I may die unto the Lord, so that living and
dying I may be thine through Jesus Christ.

As thou an putting off thy clothes think with
thyself that the time approaches thaj thou must put
off thy body also, and then thy soul must appear

naked before God's judgment-seat ; and tberefore
thou hadst need be careful to make it so clean and
pure by repentance and holiness, that he who will
not look on iniquity, may graciously behold and
accept it. Let thy bed put thee in mind of thy
grave, and when thou liest down say : — •* O blessed
Saviour, who by thy precious death $ind burial didst
take away the sting of death, and the power of ihm
grave, grant me the joyful fruits of that th]^i|B^j^9
and be thou to me in life and death, my refuge,
and defence, and everlasting portion. I will lay
me down in peace, and take my rest, for it is thou,
Lord, only, that makest me to dwell in . safety.
Into thy hands I commend my spirit, for thou hast
redeemed it, O Lord, thou God of truth." In the
ancient Church there were besides morning and
night, four other times every day which were called
hours of prayer, and the zeal of those first Christians
were such, as made them constantly observed. It
may be thought too great a strictness now in this
lukewarm age, to enjoin the like frequency; yet
for those who are not by very necessary business
prevented, it will be but reasonable to imitate it,
and make up in public and private those four times
of prayer. But if any man's state of life be really
so busy, as will not allow him time for so long and
solemn devotions, yet certainly, there is no man so
overlaid with business, but that he may find leisure
often times in the day, to say the Lord's Prayer
alone, and therefore let him use that if he cannot

THB BIABT.

S67

more. But because it is the character of a Chris-
tian that he hath his conversation in heaven, it is
very fit that besides these set times of prayer, he
should, divers times in a day, by short and sudden
ejaculations, dart up his soul thither. And for this
sort of devotion no man can want leisure, for it may
be Qgrformed in the midst of business ; the artificer
work, the husbandman at his plough, may
Now, as he cannot want time, so that
t want matter for it, it will be useful for
, out of that rich store-house, the Book
to furnish his memory with some texts,
ay thus always be ready to guide his
and the matter of them being various,
for pardon of sin, some for grace, some for
ight of God's countenance, some for the Church,
me for thanksgivings, &c., every man may be
upplied according to the present need and temper
of his soul.

may
each pe
of Psal
which
dev

DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES

FOR PEESONS IN PRIVATE.

O HOLT, blessed, and glorious Trinity, God the
Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost,
have mercy upon me a miserable sinner.

Remember not, Lord, my offences, nor the
offences of my forefathers ; neither take thou ven-
geance of my sins: spare me, good Lord, spare thy
servant whom thou hast redeemed with thy most
precious blood, and be not angry with me for ever.

From all evil and mischief; from sin and its
penalties ; from the crafts and assaults of the devil
or man ; from thy wrath, and from everlasting
damnation, good Lord, deliver me.

From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain-
glory, and hypocrisy ; from envy, hatred, and ma-
lice, and all uncharitableness, good Lord, deliver
me.

From all inordinate and sinful affections ; and
from all the deceits and idolatries of the world, the
flesh, and the devil, good Lord, deliver me.

From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebel-
lion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism;

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. S69

from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word
and commandment, good Lord, deliver me.

By thine agony and bloody sweat; by thy cross
and passion ; by thy precious death and burial ;
by thy glorious resurrection and ascension; and by
the coming of the Holy Ghost, good Lord, deliver
me.

In all time of my tribulation ; in all time of my
prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of
judgment, good Lord, deliver me.

Sinner as I am, and unworthy to pray for my-
self, yet I beseech thee to hear me praying for
others^ as thou hast commanded, O Lord God.
And that it may please thee to rule and govern thy
holy Church universal in the right way ; to bless
and preserve all Christian rulers and magistrates ;
and to illuminate all bishops, priests, and deacons
with true knowledge and understanding of thy holy
word ; I humbly beseech thee, O Lord.

That it may please thee to give to all thy
people increase of grace to hear meekly thy word,
to receive it with pure afiection, and to bring
forth the fruits of the Spirit; that it may please
thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have
erred, and are deceived ; to succor, help, and com-
fort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribula-
tion of any kind ; to strengthen such as do stand ;
to comfort and help the weak-hearted ; and to raise
up those who fall ; and finally to beat down Satan
under our feet ; I humbly beseech thee, O Lord.

SnO BBVOnONAL BZBBCmBfl

That it may please thee to give to all thy
servants true repentance ; to forgive us all our sinsi
negligences, and ignorances ; and to endue us with
the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives
according to thy holy word ; I humbly beseech thee,
OLord.

O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of
the world, grant me thy peace. O Lamb of God,
who takest away the sins of the world ; have mercy
upon me.

w O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the

sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such
as are sorrowful; mercifully assist my prayers
^vhich I make before thee in all my troubles and
adversities, whensoever they oppress me; and
graciously hear me, that those evils which the craft
and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against
me, may, by thy good providence, be brought to

S naught; that I, thy servant, being hurt by no perse-

cutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in
thy holy Church ; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
O Lord, arise, help me, and deliver me for
thy name's sake, for thou hast made many and
precious promises to those who trust in thy name.
Our fathers trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver
them.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

FOR PBBSON8 IN PRIVATB. 271

0 Lord* let thy mercy be showed upon me,
as I do put my trust in thee« Deal not with me
according to my sins ; neither reward me according
to my iniquities. From all my enemies, bodily
and spiritual, defend me, O Christ. Graciously
look upon my trials and afflictions. With pity
behold the sorrows and conflicts of my heart.
Mercifully forgive the sins of thy servant. Fa-
vourably with mercy hear my prayers. Both now
and ever, stretch forth thine almighty arm, and
grant me thy salvation. O God, make clean my Q
heart within me; and take not thy Holy Spirit

from me.

1 humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to
look upon my infirmities, and for the glory of thy
name, turn from me all those evils that my follies
and sins, my broken vows, and frequent back-
slidings, most justly have deserved ; and grant, that
in all my troubles, I may put my whole trust and
confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee
in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honor and
glory, though our only Mediator and Advocate,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Qi IJra^er for Sonbas Morning.

Matt. vi. 6. — When thou prayest, enter into thy closet,
and, when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which
is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall
reward thee openly.

Blessed Lord ! who hast invited and commanded
us to pray unto thee ; O let ihy Spirit help my in-
firmities ; and do thou so dispose my mind, and
prepare my heart, that my prayers and praises
may be acceptable in thy sight, for the sake of
Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 how amiable are thy dweflings, thou Lord of hosts !

My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts
of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living
God.

Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swal-
low a nest, where she may lay her young ; even thy altacs,
0 Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be
alway praising thee.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee ; in whose
heart are thy ways.

Who goinf? through the vale of misery, use it for a well ;
and the pools are filled with water.

They will go from strength to strength, and snto the God
of gods appearcth every one of them in Sion.

0 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of
Jacob.

Behold, O God, our defender, and look upon the face of
thine Anointed.

FOR PBRSONS IN PBIVATB. 273

For one day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.

For the Lord God is a light and defence ; the Lord will
give grace and worship ; and no good thing shall he with-
hold from them that live a godly life.

0 Lord God of hosts, blessed is the man that putteth hii
trust in thee.

O God, who art the giver of all good gifts, and the
Father of mercies, I, thy unworthy servant, adore
thy glorious Majesty, for those instances of thy
love, which thou hast, in all ages, granted to the
sons of men: providing bounteously for the comfort
and support of our bodies, and with watchful care
and wisdom for the welfare of our immortal souls.
Great was thy mercy that thou didst appoint a day
for thy more peculiar worship and service ; that by
a devout observance of the Christian Sabbath here
on earth, we might be better fitted for that eternal
sabbath of heavenly rest, reserved for us hereafter.

For this, O Lord, and all the other testimonies
of thy love to me, and all mankind, I desire, with
an humble and thankful heart, to bless and praise
thy holy name; but more especially for sending
thy Son, Christ Jesus, into the world to be the
propitiation for our sins.

I bless thee, O Lord, for preserving me the
night past from all dangers and suflferings, and
bringing me in health and safety to the beginning
of this holy day. Give me grace to make a right

12*

S74 DBVOTIONAL ■XB1I0I8B8

use and improvement of all thy mercies. Pardon,
I humbly beseech thee, my past unprofitableness
under the means of grace ; and, O merciful Father,
let not my sins deprive me of the helps and advant-
ages of thy divine institution ; but grant, O Lord,
that I may spend this, and all other times set
apart for thy immediate service, in such a holy and
reverential manner, as may promote thy honor and
glory, and set forth the salvation of my soul : and
that I may be enabled so to do, O let thy grace
and Holy Spirit be always present with me, for of
myself I am not able to please thee.

Give me awful thoughts of thy Divine Majesty,
and such an humble, serious, and devout frame of
mind, that when I engage in thy worship, no vain
or tumultuous thoughts may distract my devotion,
nor any dulness or weariness seize upon my spirit ;
but, from a true sense of my unworthiness, and of
my entire dependence upon thee for the supply of
every want, I may pray unto thee, and praise thee,
with devout and hearty affections, and may offer
unto thee a lively sacrifice, holy and acceptable in
thy sight.

Suffer me not, merciful Father, to rest in a
mere outward form of godliness ; but grant that I
may endeavor more and more to have my heart
animated with the spirit and power of religion, and
to become a true disciple of the blessed Jesus.

Let thy good Spirit, O Lord, be powerfully
assisting to the labors of those to whom thou hast

VOa 7BBB0N8 IK PBITATB. 276

committed the care of souls, particularly of him,
under whose ministry thy providence has placed
me. Give thy blessing to thy word preached,
and remove from me, and all that attend thy holy
ordinances, all prejudices and indispositions of
mind, that nothing may hinder their due and saving
efficacy upon our souls. Give us that humble and
teachable spirit, which becomes them that would
learn of thee; and O let every good instruction that
shall this day be given us, sink deep into our hearts,
and bring forth in us the fruits of a holy life, that
we may not be hearers of thy word only, but doers
also, lest we deceive our own souls.

Be with me, O Lord, this day in all places, and
upon all occasions : direct and guide me, sanctify
and preserve me. Keep me both outwardly in my
body, and inwardly in my soul : defend me from
the power and malice of the devil, from the cor-
ruptions of my own nature, and from those sins
and infirmities especially that most easily beset
and ensnare me. Free ray mind from vain distur-
bances, and from all perplexing thoughts and cares;
and so strengthen it by thy Holy Spirit, that noth-
ing may discompose me in my duty, or render me
unfit for thy service. Let me in nowise profane
this thy holy day, in thought, word, or deed ; but
give me grace to spend it in such a religious man-
ner, that every day of my life may be better for it:
and when I come to the conclusion of all my days,
may I look back with joy and comfort, in an bumble

276 DBVOTIONAL BXBR0ISB8

hope of thy divine acceptance, through the merits
and mediation of my dear Redeemer, Jesus Christ*

Our Father, &c.

[A Master or Miitren of s Familjr may yery properly add thii ihort Prayer.]

Make me duly mindful, O Lord, of all that are
under my care ; and grant that none of my family
may, through any neglect of mine, be ever wanting
in their duty towards thee. Let care for my own
soul be extended likewise to a concern for theirs;
and give me such a zeal for thy glory, and for the
salvation of others, that I may endeavor to promote
religion and piety in all about me. Convince u.^,
O Lord, how much it is our duty, as well as interest,
to serve thee ; that we should daily offer up our
united prayers and praises at thy throne, more
especially upon this day, set apart peculiarly for
thy service. Be in the midst of us, O Lord, when
we are assembled together; send thy blessing upon
all our devout exercises ; and grant that not only
the form, but the power of true religion, may be
visible among us, to our great comfort in this world,
and our eternal happiness in that which is to come.
Grant ihisv O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's
sake. Amen.

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 877

^ IPraser for Snnbag (&t>tnxn%.

The heayens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
showeth his handy work.

One day telleth another, and one night certifieth another.

There is neither speech nor language, but their voices
are heard among them.

Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words
iuto the ends of the world.

In them hath ho set a tabernacle for the son, which
Cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and re-
joiceth as a giant to run his course.

It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and
runneth about unto the end of it again, and there is nothing
hid from the heat thereof.

The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the
soul ; the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom
unto the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart ;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto
the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, and endureth for ever ; the
judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

"More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much
fine £roId ; sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb.

Moreover, by them is thy servant taught; and in keeping
of them there is great reward.

Who can tell liow oft he oflfendeth ? 0 cleanse thou me
from my secret faults.

Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they
rret the dominion over me ; so shall I be undefiled, and in-
nocent from the great offence.

Lot the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my
heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, 0 Lord, my strength,
and my Redeemer.

97R mivonoif AL sxbrcisss

0 MOST great, glorious, and eternal God, the Sove-
reign of heaven and earth ; in whom we live, and
move, and have our being, and from whom we
derive all the comforts and conveniences of this
life, and all our hopes and expectations of a better:
with what awe and reverence, should I appear
before thee, when I consider the greatness of thy
Majesty, the purity of thy divine nature, and my
own folly and guilt ! I am not worthy to come
into thy presence, nor to lift up my eyes towards
the throne of thy mercy-seat. My sins and trans-
gressions are many, and have been often repeated ;
all the corruption of my heart, and the sinfulness
of my thoughts, are perfectly known to thee ; and
the punishment due unto my sins, is greater than

1 am able to bear.

I confess, O Lord, that I have not loved thee
with the sincerity and fervor, nor served thee with
the faithfulness that I ought to have done. The
interests of this life have been so much my care
and concern, as to make me negligent in the great
work of my salvation. How many duties have I
omitted, or performed with coldness and indevotion !
How often have I been a hearer of thy word only,
and not a doer! How often both in public and
private, have I grayed, when ray heart has been
far from thee ! This day, O Lord, my services
have been accompanied with so many failings and
imperfections, that I have just cause to humble
myself before thee.

FOE PEasoirs nr pbivats. 379

But, O merciful Father, hast thou not declared
thyself to be a God merciful and gracious, forgiving
iniquity, transgression and sin ! My only hope is
in thy tender mercies, which have been ever of
old ; and in that compassion, which thou hast
shown to mankind in the redemption of the world,
by the death of thy dear Son. For his sake then,
I beseech thee, O Lord, pardon all my past sins,
and let not iniquity be my ruin. Forgive the dead*-
ness of my devotions; the coldness of my heart;
the wanderings of my prayers ; and whatever else
thou hast seen amiss in me, and lay not to my
charge the imperfections of my religious duties.
Enable me, O Lord, by the assistance of thy good
Spirit, to discover and amend whatever has been
wrong; and to strive more and more, for the
attainment of all those graces which alone can
render our prayers and praises acceptable in thy
sight. Animate and enliven my sluggish heart,
and cleanse it from all its de&lements. O replenish
my soul with the graces of thy Holy Spirit, that I
may be vigorous and active in thy service, and
fruitful in every good work.

Give me, O Lord, such a conviction of the
shortness and uncertainty of this life, and of the
vast concerns of eternity, that I may not foolishly
waste my time in an eager pursuit after the things
of this world. O make me so wise as to see, and
know, and follow the things that make for my
peace, lest they be hid from mine eyes, and all

280 DBvoTioNAL raRoms

opportunities of reconciling myself to thee, my
offended God, be far from me. O let salvation be
my deepest concern ; grant that I may never forget
the one thing needful; but give all diligence to
make my calling and election sure ; that from serv-
ing thee faithfully here upon earth, I may be ad-
mitted, in thy good appointed time, to praise thee
eternally in thy everlasting kingdom, through Jesus
Christ our Lord.

THE INTERCESSIOIT.

0 God, whose mercy is over all thy works, extend
thy compassion to the whole race of mankind. Let
thy Gospel shine into all the regions of the earth ;
that those that sit in darkness may come to the
knowledge and practice of thy laws. More par-
ticularly, O Lord, be merciful to the nation to which

1 belong: pardon our great and crying sins, and
avert from us the evils which we have most justly
deserved. Be gracious to thy holy Church univer-
sal: heal the breaches and divisions of it, and
grant that it may abound in true piety and charity.
Inspire the pastors of thy Church, with a spirit of
true religion ; and make them diligent to promote
it, in all those who are under their charge. Be
merciful, O God, to all that are in affliction: that
labor under poverty or persecution ; under bodily
diseases, or under temptation or trouble of mind ;
be pleased, O Lord, to guide, support, and comfort

FOB PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 281

them, and in thy good time to deliver them, accord-
ing to thy great mercy. Send down the graces of
thy Holy Spirit upon all my friends and relations ;
pardon all their sins; unite our hearts in mutual
love to each other ; and vouchsafe to every one of
us, whatever thy wisdom knows to be needful for
our souls and bodies. Reward all those who have
been any ways instrumental to my good ; and for-
give those that have done, or wished me evil, and
grant them repentance and better minds, for Jesus
Christ's sake.

THANKSGIVING.

And now, O merciful Father, I offer to thy divine
Majesty my unfeigned praises, for those numberless
mercies and bene6ts vouchsafed me ; more particu-
larly I bless thy holy name for the mercies of the
day past; for whatever sin I have escaped, and
whatever good I have done ; for preserving me in
health and safety ; for continuing to me the enjoy-
ment of so many comforts ; and for delivering me
from the evils which I have most justly deserved,
and to which I am continually exposed. But, above
all, I bless and magnify thy holy name for the
foundation of these, and all thy other mercies, thy
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

O Lord, give me grace to make a right use and
improvement of all thy mercies. Vouchsafe me
the continuance of thy favor and protection. Take

88S

DSYOTIONAL SX«mOX8B8.

me this night under the care of thy good providence ;
preserve me from all evil, but especially from that
of sin ; when I awake commune with me by thy
Spirit ; and after the comfortable refreshment of
rest and sleep, raise me up, I humbly pray thee,
in health and safety, with a heart full of love to
thee, and zeal to thy service, through Jesus Christ
our blessed Saviour and Redeemer.
Our Father, &c.

!3, {Iraiier for iSlonbag morning.

Ponder my words, 0 Lord, consider my meditation.

0 hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King,
and my God : for unto thee will I make my prayer.

My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O Lord ; early in the
morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness ;
neither shall any evil dwell with thee.

0 God, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee.

My soul thirsteth for thee ; my flesh also longeth after
thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is.

Thus have I looked for thee in holiness, that I might
behold thy power and glory ;

For thy loving-kindness is better than life itself: my lips
shall praise thee.

As long as I live will I magnify thee in this manner, and
lift up my hands in thy name.

My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow
and fatness, when my mouth praiseth thee with jojrful lips.

Have I not remembered thee in my bed, and thought
upon thee when I was waking ?

Because thou hast been my helper ; therefore under the
shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Fathkr of mercies, and God of all comfort, who
art the solace of our souls, and the constant pre-
server and support of our bodies : by thee have I
been holden up ever since I was born ; and by thy
goodness it is, that I have been preserved the night
past from all dangers, and that my frail body has
been refreshed with quiet and comfortable rest.
Great aAd numberless have been thy mercies to
me, O God ; for which I desire with an humble

284 . DBVOTIONAL BXBR0I8B8

and thankful heart, to bless and praise thy holy
name.

O that a sense of thy goodness may be always
present to my mind, and may beget in me such an
humble reliance on thy fatherly care and good^ pro
vidence, that I may perfectly resign myself to thy
disposal in all things, cheerfully submitting to all
thy dispensations towards me. I am not worthy,
O Lord, of the least of all thy benefits : but, O
Thou ! whose properly is mercy and love, be not
extreme to mark what I have done amiss ; but for
tliy dear Son's sake, pardon all my sins, and
receive me to thy favor, without which, I am most
miserable. Let rhe never abuse thy patience, nor
despise thy goodness ; but let thy fear be always
before my eyes, that I may not sin against thee ;
but giving up myself entirely to thy service, I may
endeavor in all things to keep a conscience void of
offence towards thee, and towards men.

To this end, O Lord, vouchsafe me the assist-
ance of thy Holy Spirit, for of myself I am not able
to please thee. Prone to what is evil, I am every
way beset with temptations, and sad experience
teaches me how easily I am drawn away by the
deceitful tempter. Be thou my strong hold where-
unto I may always resort, and evermore mightily
defend me. Lead me, I beseech thee, in the way
wherein I should go; and conduct me safely through
the snares and temptations of this deceitfiil world ;
or shouldst thou permit me to fall into trials, suffer

FOE paasoNs in privatb* 286

me not to be tempted above what I am able to
bear. Let no calamity ever drive me from thee,
nor any prosperity cause me to forget thee; but
grant that all thy providences towards me may
work together for my good, to bring me to thyself,
and to an entire dependence upon thee : believing
assuredly, that all my concerns are in the safest
hands, when they are under the care and disposal
of thy infinite wisdom and goodness. O Lord ! let
not the world get possession of my heart, which
has been so often dedicated to thy service. Let
not those pomps and vanities which I have so
solemnly renounced, be again the object of my
desires: but be thou, O God, my joy and support,
my trust, and comfort in this world, and my eternal
bliss in that which is to come.

O Lord, I humbly beg thy blessing this day
upon all my honest designs and undertakings ;
direct me in all my ways, that I may take nothing
in hand but what is agreeable to thy blessed will.
Let no worldly interest or advantage ever prevail
upon me to depart from my integrity ; but amidst
the various affairs of this life, give me grace to set
thee always before my eyes, that I may not sin
against thee. Let thy Holy Spirit powerfully re-
strain me from those sins that are most apt to
betray and ensnare me : particularly {Here mention
the sins you are most prone Xo.) Preserve me in my
going out and coming in, that no evil accident may
befal me. Take all belonging to me, also into thy

286 DBVOTIONAIi SZBBCIBBS

fatherly care and protection: keep us in health and
safety, in innocence and charity ; and grant, that
whilst we are passing through things temporal, we
may be daily preparing for those better things that
are eternal, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord
and Saviour.

Our Father, &c.

1A IPrager for Monlras (foening.

Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth
my soul after thee, 0 God.

My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God.
When shall I come to appear before the presence of God ?

Hear my crying, 0 God, give ear unto my prayer.

From the ends of the earth will I call upon thee, when
my heart is in heaviness.

0 set rae up upon the rock that is higher than I ; for thou
hast been my hope, and a strong tower for me against the
enemy.

1 will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, and my trust shall
be under the covering of thy wings.

My soul truly waiteth still upon God ; for of him oometh
my salvation.

He verily is my strength and my salvation; he is my
defence, so that I shall not greatly fall.

In God is my health and my glory, the rock of my might;
and in God is my trast.

One deep calleth another, because of the noise of the
water-pipes; all thy waves and storms are gone over me.

The Lord hath granted his loving-kindness in the day-
time, and in the night-season did I sing of him, and made
my prayer unto the God of my life.

warn, PBRSONs in fbiyatb. S87

I will ny unto the God of my strength, Why haat thoa
fi>fgottea me? Why go I thus heavily, while the enemy
oppresseth me ?

Why art thon bo vexed, O my sonl ? and why art thoa to
ditquieted within me ?

O pat thy trust in God ; for I will yet thank him, which
is the help of my countenance.

O THOU great and glorious God, who takest plea-
sure in those that come unto thee with faith ; look
with compassion upon me, who fall low on my knees
before thee, confessing that all my life has been
very provoking to thy divine Majesty. O let the
infinite merits of my Redeemer make satisfaction
for me ; and, for his sake, I beseech thee, to be
merciful unto me in the pardon of all my sins.
Lay not to my charge, O Lord, the sins of which I
have this day been guilty ; but let those, and all
the other follies of my life past, be for ever blotted
out of thy remembrance. Give me a lively sense
of the folly and danger of sin, that I may sincerely
abhor that which is evil, and with unwearied dili-
gence follow after the things which make for my
everlasting peace. Keep me, I beseech thee, under
the conduct of thy good Providence, and make me
to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy name,
that I may never dare to do any thing that will
offend thee. Let no difficulties in my Christian
warfare, affright me from my duty ; but give me
such resolution as will support me under all dis-
couragements, carry me through all trials, and

enable me to triainph oTer the giemt enemy of my
•alvation; that having fought a good fight, and
finished my course, I may at last receive that
croiK'n of glory, which thou hast promised to thy
faithful servants.

Extend thy mercies, O Lord, to the whole race
of mankind, and, in a more particular manner, be
gracious to this nation; bless all degrees of men
among us, and grant that every one, from the
highest to the lowest, may faithfully endeavor to
promote thy glory, and the public good. Look
with pity upon all in affliction ; strengthen and
support them under their troubles, and give them,
in thy good time, ease and deliverance. Bless all
my friends and relations; sanctify to them the dis-
pensations of I hy providence, and bless and prosper
the means of grace; and vouchsafe to suit thy
graces and blessings to their several necessities of
body and soul.

And now, O Father of mercies, in an humble
sense of thy great goodness, I adore and praise
thee for thy manifold blessings and mercies; par-
ticularly for those of the day past. I bless thee,
O Lord, for whatever good I have done, and what-
ever evil I have escaped ; for preserving me in
health and safety ; for providing so plentifully for
me ; but, above all, for the redemption of the world,
by the death and passion of thy dear Son. O give
me grace to love thee above all things, and to
make a right improvement of these and all thy
other mercies.

FOB PERSONS IN PRIVATB*

289

Be thou pleased, O Lord, to continue to me and
to mine, thy favor and protection. Preserve me
this night from all evil, but especially from that of
sin ; give thy holy angels charge over me, that no
evil accident may come near to hurt me, and raise
me up again in health and safety, with a heart full
of love to thee, and zeal to thy service, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our Father, &c.

^ PraQtr for Cnesbas Slotnm%.

O Lord, oar Goyemor, how excellent is thy name in all
the world ; thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens I

Out of the mouth of very babes and socklings hast thoa
ordained stren^h, because of thine enemies, that thou might-
est still the enemy and the avenger.

For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy
fingers ; the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained.

What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the sod
of man, that thou visitest him ?

Thou madest him lower than the angels, to crown him
with glory and worship.

Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy
hands: and thou bast put ail thiugs in subjection under his
feet;

AH sheep and oxen ; yea, and the beasts of the field ;

The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea ; and what •
soever walketh through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Governor, how excellent is thy name in all
the world !

O Lord God Almighty, which was, and which is,
and which is to come ; who art worthy to receive
glory, honor, and power; for thou hast created
all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created ; I adore thee, my God, and make an entire
resignation of myself, of all that 1 am, and have,
into thy hands; desiring now, and to all eternity,
to depend on thee, my Creator, my Redeemer, and
continual Benefactor.

I thank thee for the comfortable refreshment of
the night past,^and for thy preservation of me, and

DEVOTIONAL BXBRCI8B8. 891

all belonging to rae, from fire, robberyy and tem-
pest, and every evil accident. Without thy good-
ness and providence, I am not able to subsist the
least moment. To thee I owe all those comforts
of life, health, peace, and plenty, I enjoy, and a
freedom from all those pains and evils, I am subject
to, and have deserved at thy hands. I desire, ^
above all things, to give most hearty thanks to
thee, O God the Father, for the redemption of the
world by thy Son Jesus Christ, for his intercession
for us at thy right hand, for the Holy Ghost, the
Comforter and Sanctifier, for the means of grace,
and hopes of glory.

O Lord, I beseech thee, through him who
vouchsafed to sufier upon the cross for our redemp-
tion, to pardon the sins I have at any time com-
mitted ; and grant I may find the power of -his
death, in dying to sin, and rising unto righteousness,
in having the old man, all worldly affections, and
carnal lusts, crucified with him ; that the body of
sin in me may be destroyed. Give me this day
and all my life, the supplies of thy grace and Holy
Spirit; enable me to resist and overcome the temp-
tations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; to
mortify and subdue my propensities and passions ;
to purify my soul from all uncleanness ; and to bring
forth the fruits of the Spirit in an holy and useful
life. Grant that I may order all my words and
actions, with such care and prudence, as to give
no offence or occasion of falling to any ; but that I

292 DBTOTIONAL BXBRCtSBS

may be a good example to others, and adorn the
doctrine of Grt)d our Saviour in all things. Guide
and govern me, O God, in all my affairs ; bless my
labors and studies, and give me grace to do my
duty in that state of life whereunto thou hast been
pleased to call me, and make me therewith content.
And thou, O God, and heavenly Father, who hast
promised to them that seek thy kingdom, and the
righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their
bodily sustenance, continue to me, I beseech thee*
the blessings I enjoy ; supply me with those I want ;
and turn from me all those evils which I most
justlj have deserved ; or which the malice of the
devil, or the wickedness or misfortunes of the
world, might bring upon me. Let all things that
befal me in this world work together for my good
in the other; and grant me every thing, whether
prosperous or adverse, that may be most profitable
to my eternal salvation. I resign, O Lord, and
give myself to thy providence, and to all the events
which it shall please thee to bring upon me : do
with me what thou seest good, and let thy holy
will be done in me, and by me, for the sake of
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thy mercies are over all thy works; spread,
O Lord, the knowledge of the Gospel all over the
world : and grant that all Christians may live
according to it, and thus testify that they are thy
disciples. Preserve and sanctify, more and more,
ihy Church universal ; support and assist the mi-

FOR FBRSONS IN FRIYATB. 293

nisters of thy word and sacraments ; particularly
bim under whom thy providence has placed me.
Relieve and comfort all in affliction. Grant to all
hardened sinners means and grace of repentance.
Strengthen the yet weak in faith and godliness,
th^t they may endure temptation. Grant perse-
verance and advancement in holiness to those who
love and fear thee, and enable them to bring forth
much fruit. Send down, most bountiful Lord God,
thy blessings, spiritual and temporal, upon all my
relations and friends, especially on those who pray
for me, or have desired my prayers; and give them
whatever thou seest necessary and convenient, for
their souls and bodies. Reward all who have done
me good, and pardon all who have done or wished
me evil, and work in them and me, all that may
make us acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

^ IPrastr for Studl^ag <St>mm%.

In thee, O Lord, haye I put my trust ; let me never be put
to confusion; deliver me in thy righteousness.

Bow down thine ear to me ; make haste to deliver me.

And be thou my strong rock, and house of defence, that
thou mayest save me;

For thou art my strong rock, and my castle : be thou also
my guide, and lead me for thy name's sake.

294 DBYOTIONAL BXBROI8S8

Draw me out of the net that they hare laid pririly for me;
for thou art my strength.

Into thy hands I commend my spirit ; for thou hast re-
deemed me, O Lord) thou God of truth.

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom then shall
I fear ? the Lonl is the strength of my life, of whom then
•hall I be afraid ?

Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall
not my heart be afraid ; and though there rose up war against
me, yet will I put my trust in thee.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require ;
even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit
his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me m his taber-
nacle ; yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide
me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.

Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation, with
great gladness : I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.

Thou hast been my succor ; leave me not, neither forsake
me, 0 God of my salvation.

Great and glorious Lord God, who art just and
terrible in thy judgments to all obstinate sinners,
but of infinite compassion to such as are truly-
penitent and turn unto thee ; hear, I beseech thee,
the prayers of thy servant, for pardon of all my
sins. O let the sufferings of thy Son Jesus Christ
be accepted by thee, as an atonement for all my
follies and transgressions; and for his sake be
reconciled unto me, who acknowledge my vileness,
and am heartily sorry that I have ever offended
thee. Give me such an unfeigned repentance of
all my sins, ad may produce in me a thorough

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE. 296

change and amendment of liFe ; open thou mine
eyes, that I may see all the evil dispositions of
my corrupt nature, and by thy good Spirit, may
be enabled to mortify and subdue them, and to
bring my mind to an entire conformity to thy
blessed will.

May the remembrance of my past follies and
miscarriages, make me more careful of my actions
for the time to come, and more watchful against
those snares and temptations, which have at any
time betrayed me. Let thy patience and forbear-
ance excite in my heart such a grateful love to
thee, and such a fear of offending thee, that neither
riches, nor honor, nor any thing else that this world
can offer, may ever be able to-draw me from my
duty. Convince me, O Lord, that sin is the greatest
of all evils ; that guilt and misery are always in-
separable ; and that there is no true happiness in
this life, but what results from the testimony of a
good conscience, and the hope of thy favor ; and
may I make it the great study and care of my
whole life, to be of the number of those whom thou
lovest, and delightest in.

Give me grace, merciful Father, to lay aside
every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset
me, that I may run with patience the race which
thon hast set before me. Deliver me from an im-
moderate concern for the things of this world, and
give me such an entire acquiescence in thy Divine
will and pleasure, such a perfect dependence on

296 DBVOTIONAL BZBRCiSBS

thine infinite wisdom and goodness, that no envious
nor repining thoughts may possess my heart, but a
cheerful and thankful spirit may at all times rufe
and govern me : and whatever share of temporal
good things thou shalt be pleased to give me, O
give me grace to employ it to thy glory, the good
of others, and the benefit of my immortal soul.

Extend thy mercy, O God, to all mankind;
and more particularly to this sinful nation. Pardon
our great ingratitude ; avert the judgments which
we justly deserve ; and give us grace to turn from
all our evil ways, that thou mayst delight to dwell
among us, and mayst be our God, and we thy
people. Pity all thy afflicted servants : be a father
to the fatherless, and an husband to the widow ;
heal the sick ; supply the wants of the poor and
needy ; and grant to all a patient submission to thy
will. Bless all my friends and relations ; reward
all that have done me good, and pardon all that
have done or wished me evil ; and vouchsafe to
every one of us, whatever thy great wisdom knowest
to be needful both for our souls and bodies.

O most merciful Father, in an humble sense of
thy great goodness, I adore and praise thy name,
as for thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so also
for all the manifestations of thy love and kindness.
I bless thee for my being, for my reason, and all
the endowments and faculties of my soul and body ;
for my health, friends, food, and raiment, and all
other conveniences of my life; for thy continual

VOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE. 297

care and watchful providence over me, and par-
ticularly for thy preservation of me the day past.

Give me grace, O Lord, I beseech thee, to
make a right use of all thy blessings; and be thou
graciously pleased to take me, and all that belong
to me, this night, under the care and protection of
thy fatherly providence. Give thy holy angels
charge over us, that no evil may come near to hurt
us ; and grant us such refreshments of soul and
body, as may enable us cheerfully to go through
the duties of the station wherein thou hast placed
us ; an^ when thou shalt be pleased to call us out
of this world, O let us be found of the number of
thy faithful servants, through the merits of Christ
Jesus our blessed Saviour and Redeemer.

Our Father, &c.

13*

^ Prasrr for tDelhitBikag JDorniiig.

It Li a good thing to give thanks nnto the Lord, and to
■ing praises onto thy name, O Most Highest ;

To tell of thy loving-kindness early in the morning, and
of thy troth in the ni^ht-season ;

Upon an instrament of ten strings, and upon the lute :
upon a lond instrument, and npon the harp:

For thon, Lord, hast made me glad through thy worka ;
and I will rejoice in giving praise for tha operations of thy
hands.

O Lord, how glorions are thy works; thy thoughts are
rery deep.

An unwise man doth not well consider this, and a fool
doth not understand it.

When the ungodly are green as the grass, and when all
the workers of wickedness do flourish; then shall they be
destroyed for ever ; but thou, Lord, art the Most Highest for
evermore.

The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree, and shall
spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.

Such as are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish
in the courts of the house of our God.

They also shall bring forth more fruit in their age, and
shall be fat and well liking ;

That they may show how true the Lord my strength is,
and that there is no unrighteousness in him.

O MOST gracious God, who art the author of all the
good things that I enjoy ; to thy good providence I
owe it, that I am now in health and safety ; that I
have enjoyed the conifortable refreshments of the
night past, and that none of those evils which I
have justly deserved, have come nigh me, or my

DEVOTIONAL BXERCISBS. 399

dwelling. For these, O Lord, and for all thy other
mercies, I desire to adore and bless thy glorious
name, humbly beseeching thee to accept this my
morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. O
Lord ! there is nothing that I desire so much as to
be of the number of thy faithful ^servants ; to this
end grant that a due sense of thy mercies may be
so deeply impressed upon my mind, that I may
love thee above all things, and manifest the sin-
cerity of that love, by a constant and habitual care
to do what is pleasing in thy sight. Vouchsafe me
the assistance of thy good Spirit, to enable me to
withstand the temptations of this wicked world,
and to meet with courage and resolution, all the
trials of my christian warfare. May I never have
any fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark-
ness, nor grieve thy blessed Spirit by any sinful
desires; but as I have given up myself to the
obedience of my great Lord and Master, so teach
me to walk as in his presence, to conform myself
to his Spirit, and to imitate his example.

Let my conversation be always such as be-
cometh the Gospel ; and grant that I may daily
endeavor to mortify my corrupt inclinations, and
to bring every inordinate desire to the obedience
of thy will. In the use of honest and lawful means,
give me grace to depend upon thy providence, and
to rest contented under all the dispensations of thy
infinite wisdom and goodness. But, O gracious
Father, leave me not destitute of those things that

900 DBVOTIONAL BXBB0I8B8

accompany salvation, nor deny me thy favory which
is better than life itself. Take not from me the
comforts of thy Holy Spirit; but in all the disap-
pointments and trials I shall meet with here, be
thou my refuge and support, my Saviour and mighty
deliverer. Especially, O Lord, I beseech thee,
when the time of my dissolution draws nigh, and
all things here begin to fail me, vouchsafe thou to
strengthen and comfort me, and at last receive me
into thy blessed kingdom.

Be thou pleased, of thy great goodness, O Lord,
to direct and sanctify, preserve and prosper me.
Let thy watchful Providence be my guard and
defence. Keep me in thy faith, and fear, and love,
all the day long, and may I take nothing in hand,
speak nothing, think and desire nothing, but what
is agreeable to thy blessed will. And carry me
safely through the dangers and temptations of this
world of sorrow, to that place of everlasting rest
and peace, which thou hast prepared for thy faith-
ful servants, through the merits of thy beloved Son
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our Father, &c.

FOB PERSONS IN FRIVATB. 301

2. IPrager for iDel^nedbas (£r>tmn%.

Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High, shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope and my strong
hold, my God, in him will I trust.

For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunter,
and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall defend thee under his wings, and thou shalt be
safe under his feathers ; his faithfulness and truth shall be
thy shield and baoUeir*

Thou shalt nai%e afraid for any terror by night, nor for
the arrow that flieth by day ;

For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the
sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.

A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at
thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the reward
of the ungodly.

For thou, Lord, art my hope ; thou hast set thine house
of defence very high.

There shall no evil happen unto thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep
thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee in their hands, that thou hurt not
thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder; the young lion
and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I
deliver him ; I will set him up, because he hath known my
name.

He shall call upon me, and I will hear him ; yea, I am
with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and bring him to
honor.

With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my
salvation.

302 DBVOTIONAL EXRRCI8BS

O MOST glorious «and ever-living God, whp inhab-
itesi eternity, and dwellest in that light which no
mortal eye can approach unto, I lament and bewail
the corruption of my nature, and my manifold sins
and transgressions. Notwithstanding all thy gra-
cious dispensations towards me, I have neither
loved thee, served thee, nor obeyed thee, as I
ought to have done. The cares and pleasures of
this life occupy my thoughts, and make me cold and
remiss in the great work of my salvation. Where
shall I fly for succor but unto thee, who art a God
of infinite love and pity! O pity my weaknesses,
and forgive and wash away all my sins, in the
blood of the immaculate Lamb, Christ Jesus; that
neither those which I have this day committed, nor
any other follies of my life past, may ever be had
in remembrance before thee. Reserve not my sins
to be punished in the day of thy fierce displeasure,
but bury them all in the depth of thy everlasting
mercy, that they may never rise up to my confusion
here, nor my condemnation hereafter. Look upon
me, O Lord, as a reconciled Father in Christ Jesus.
Speak peace unto my conscience, and say unto my
soul, I am the God of thy salvation.

But, O Lord, I not only beg the pardon of my
transgressions, but entreat thee, who hast promised
thy Holy Spirit to them that ask it, to enable me
to forsake every evil way, and to walk before thee
in newness of life. Let not sin reign in my mortal
body, nor any sinful desires have possession of my

FOR PBRSONS IN PRIVATB. 303

heart ; bat by the powerful efficacy of thy grace,
destroy in me all evil habits and propensities, and
whatsoever is opposed to thy most holy will and
commandments.

Give me, O Lord, a lively sense of the vanity
and uncertainty of all things here below ; that my
heart being weaned from the love of this world, it
may daily more and more aspire after those joys
which are at thy right hand for evermore. Make
me a faithful and a wise steward of all those talents
thou hast committed to my trust; that being rich
in good works, and. having laid up a treasure in
heaven, when this earthly tabernacle shall be dis-
solved, I may have a building of God, a house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Have pity, O God, upon all Jews, Turks, and
infidels, and bring them to the knowledge and
practice of thy laws. Bless thy universal Church ;
remove out of it all errors and divisions, and let
charity and piety be visible in the lives of all its
members. Reform all things amiss in this our land*
Root out from among us all profaneness and im-
piety ; that we, turning from our evil ways, thou
mayst turn from thy displeasure against us, and
delight over us to do us good. Bless and protect
all in authority over us. Look with compassion
upon all those who are in sorrow, need, sickness,
or any other adversity. Manifest thy gracious
presence with them, as a God at hand, and not
afar oflf ; support them under their afflictions, and

oOl iJi:\ ()rio.\A]. e\i:kcisks.

give ihcm in thy due time a happy deliverance.
Send down tby blessings, spiritual and temporal
upon all my friends and relations; aa<d be pleased
to suit thy graces and dispensations to the several
necessities of our souls and bodies.

To my prayers and intercessions, I desire, O
most merciful God, to add my unfeigned thanks
and praise for all the benefits which thou bast so
freely anil undeservedly conferred upon me. I
bless thee for my creation and preservation; for
my health, strength, peace, and safety; for thy
continual care and watchful Providence ever since
I was born ; for the comforts and conveniences I
have hitherto received ; and, in particular, for the
mercies of the day past; but, above all, for thy
dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

And now, O Lord, in confidence of thy infinite
goodness, I commend my soul and body again to
thy fatherly care and good providence, beseeching
thee to take me, and all that belong to me, under
thy Almighty protection. Refresh our bodies with
quiet rest and sleep, and our souls with the conso*
lations of thy Holy Spirit; and when thou shalt
think fit to take us out of this world, give us ever-
lasting rest and peace in thy eternal kingdom,
through the merits, and for the sake of our blessed
Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Our Father, &c.

"X flragtr for StjorsdaQ Bkvnin%.

Lord, thou hast been our refuge, from one generation to
another.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the
earth and the world were made, thou art God from everlast-
ing, and world without end.

Thou tumest man to destruction; again thou sayest, Gome
again, ye children of men.

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday,
seeing that is past as a watch in the night.

As soon as thou scatterest them, they are even as asleep,
and fade away suddenly like the grass.

In the morning it is green, and groweth up ; but in the
evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered.

For we consume away in thy displeasure, and are afraid
at thy wrathful indignation.

Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee, and our secret
sins in the light of thy countenance.

For when thou art angry, all our days are gone ; we bring
our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.

The days of our age are threescore years and ten ; and
though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years,
yet is their strength then but labor and sorrow; so soon
passeth it away, and we are gone.

But who regardeth the power of thy wrath ? for even
thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.

Turn thee again, 0 Lord, at the last, and be gracious
unto thy servants.

0 satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon : so shall we
rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

O Lord the Creator and Governor of the world, I
thy unworthy servant fall low on my knees before

ihee, to reiifw the tribute of my humblest adoration
to thy great and glorious Majesty.

Blessed be thy name, O God, for sending thy
Son our Lord Jesus Christ into the world, to die for
the redemption of mankind, and for all the benefits
and advantages which we have received thereby.
Blessed be thy holy name for all the means and
opportunities which thou hast given me, of becoming
wise unto salvation ; for the assistance of thy good
Spirit, and for inclining me to love and fear' thee.
I thank thee, O Lord, for all the temporal blessings
I have received ; for that measure of health which
I have enjoyed ; for the friends thou hast given me ;
and lor that competent provision thou hast made
for me. Particularly, O Lord, I bless thy holy
name, that thou hast protected me the night past
from the powers of darkness, and every evil acci-
dent, and hast now raised me up in safety, to
praise thy goodness. O Lord, raise me up also, I
pray thee, to newness of life ; and grant me such a
sense of thy goodness as may excite in my heart a
supreme love to thee, and a holy care to please and
obey thee in all things.

Vouchsafe me the assistance of thy Holy Spirit
to enable me to do my duty towards thee, and
towards men. Endue me, O most gracious God,
with a spirit of true and fervent devotion to thee,
my Creator and Redeemer; with an honest, up-
right, and charitable heart towards all my neigh-
bors; and with a contented, meek, and humble

FOB PBRSONS IN PRIYATB. 307

mind, in every condition and state of life, in which
thou shalt be pleased to place me. O Lord, con-
vince me more and more of the vanity and empti-
ness of all earthly enjoyments, that my heart being
lifted up above the pleasures of this life, it may
surely there be 6xed, where true joys are to be
found. Grant that I may seek thy kingdom and
the righteousness thereof in the first place, and
prefer thy favor, and the testimony of a good con-
science, before the greatest happiness this world
can promise me. Let neither hopes nor fears,
neither pleasure nor profit, be ever able to draw me
from my duty; but being steadfast and unmove-
able, I may always abound in the work of the
Lord, knowing that my labor shall not be in vain
in the Lord.

And now, O Lord, I humbly pray thee, to take
me this day, and all that are near and dear to me,
under the care and protection of thy good Provi-
dence. We are safe so long as we are in thy
hands: O let us never cast away our confidence in
thee, nor place it any where but in thee. Be with
us in all dangers and temptations, and keep us
from all things t^jat may hurt us; preserve us more
especially from the sin that does most easily betray
and ensnare us. Give us such a measure of
health, and other temporal blessings as thou seest
best for us ; and grantus the assistance of thy good
Spirit, that in our several stations and employments,
we may keep a conscience void of offence both

308 DSYOTIOKAL ■X»B0I8»II»

towards thee, and towards men, through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Our Fatheri &c.

^ {IraQtr for 9l)ttr0das (Sotning.

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord ; he hath great
delight in his commandments.

His seed shall be mighty upon the earth 3 the generation
of the faithful shall be blessed.

Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house ; and his
righteousness endureth for ever.

Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness;
he is merciful, loving, and righteous.

A good man is merciful, and lendeth, and will guide his
words with discretion ;

For he shall never be moved : and the righteous shall be
had in everlasting remembrance.

He will not be afraid of any evil tidings ; for his heart
standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.

His heart is stablished, and will not shrink, until he see
his desire upon his enemies.

He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his
righteousness remaineth for ever ; his horn shall be exalted
with honor. '

The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him; he shall
gnash with his teeth, and consume away ; the desire of the
ungodly shall perish.

O ETERNAL GoD, the great Creator, gracious Pre-
server, and wise Governor of the world, I, thy
unworthy servant, adnaire and adore the perfections

DBVOnONAL BXBROnSd. 309

of thy nature, and gratefully acknowledge thy un-
deserved goodness towards me, and all thy crea-
tures. I have nothing, O Lord, but what I received
from thee ; thou gavest me my being, with a capa-
.city to know, and serve, and enjoy thee for ever;
and out of. the same goodness, thou hast prolonged
my being, with all its privileges, and hast delivered
me from" a multitude of evils which might have
justly befallen me, and bestowed mercies and
favors both upon my soul and body, more than I
can number. O that I had made returns in any
measure suitable to the benefits which I have
received from thee ! But I must with shame ac-
knowledge, that I have been guilty of great in-
gratitude towards the fountain of all good; I have
been an unprofitable servant, and have neither
loved thee, served thee, nor obeyed thee, as I ought
to have done.

O Lord! it is of thine infinite mercy that I have
now an opportunity of humbling myself before
thee : let thy goodness and forbearance, lead me
to a true and unfeigned repentance of all my sins ;
and for the sake of thy beloved Son, spare me, O
good Lord, and be not angry with me forever;
wash away all my sins in that fountain which thou
hast opened for sin and uncleanness, that nothing
may interpose between thy mercy and my soul.
Lay not to my charge, O merciful God, the sins
which I have this day committed ; and not only
pardon them, but give me grace from henceforward.

310 DSVOnONAL BXBBOnVS

entirely to leave and forsake thecn* and to amend
my life according to thy holy word.

Make me always mindful, that thou art every
where present, and privy to my most secret
ihoughis ; that I may never dare to do any thing,
hut what is pleasing in thy sight. Possess me, O
Lord, wiih a livelj' sense of the frailty of my life,
the certainty of a judgment to come, the unspeak-
able glories of heaven, and the dreadful torments
of hell ; that I may, in good earnest, carry on the
great work of my salvation, and never foolishly
prefer the pleasures of sin, which are but for a
season, before that everlasting fulness of joy, which
is in thy presence for evermore. Duly considering
the vast disproportion there is betwixt this life aud
my eternal slate, may I live as becomes the gospel
of Christ, working out my salvation with care and
circumspection, that when the great and terrible
day of the Lord shall come, I may be admitted to
the inheritance of the saints in light.

O Lord, I pray not for myself alone, but for
the whole race of mankind, and in a more especial
manner, for the nation to which I belong. Let the
virtue and efficacy of Christ's death and passion
be extended far and wide, and grant that true
religion and virtue may every where flourish and
abound. Hear the prayers of the sick and needy,
and all that labor under any trouble or affliction ;
show the lighting down of thine arm, and of thy
fatherly goodness, comfort and relieve them accord-

rOR PliBRSONS IN PRIVATE. 311

ing to their necessities. I commend to thy par-
ticular favor and protection all my relations and
friends ; let thy fear be ever before their eyes ; let
thy blessings always rest upon them ; and grant
them all things necessary for life and godliness.

Accept, O Lord, I humbly beseech thee, the
sacrifice of my unfeigned praises, which I oSer up
to thy divine Majesty, for thy great and manifold
mercies, and more particularly for the mercies of
the day past ; for preserving me in health and
safety; for providing so plentifully for me, and
continuing to me the enjoyment of so many com-
forts. And I most humbly beseech thee, to renew
thy mercy and goodness towards me, and all that
belong to me. Defend us this night from all dan-
gers, both of soul and body; grant us quiet and
refreshing sleep : and if thou art pleased to add
another day to our lives, give us grace to employ
it in such a manner as may be pleasing in thy
sight, through the merits and for the sake of thy
beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen*

Our Father, &c.

^ llraQtr for Inbas filornmg.

Have mercy upon me, 0 God, after Ihy great goodneM,
according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine
ofiencea.

Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness ; and cleanse
me from my sin ;

For I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in
thy sight, that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and
dear when thou art judged.

Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath my
mother conceived me.

But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, and shalt
make me to understand wisdom secretly.

Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean ;
thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the
bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds.

Make me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit
within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy
Holy Spirit from me.

0 give me the comfort of thy help again, and stablish me
with thy free Spirit.

Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners
shall be converted unto thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, 0 God, thou that art
the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of thy
righteousness.

Thou shalt open my lips, 0 Lord, and my mouth shall
show thy praise.

For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee ;
but thou delightest not in bumt-ofierings.

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit : a broken and
contrite heart, 0 God, shalt thou not despise.

PBVOnONAL BXBR0I8BS. 313

Most holy, merciful, and gracious Lord God, who
art the source and spring of all our comforts here,
and the sure and certain foundation of our hopes
hereafter : look down from heaven, the habitation
of thy holiness, upon me, who humbly renew my
praises to thy divine Majesty. I acknowledge,
that under thy protection I have slept this night
securely, and by thy infinite goodness it is, that I
am now in health and safety. Praised be thy
name, O Lord; let all that is within me praise thy
holy name, as long as I live I will magnify thee,
O God, for thou art my Creator, my Preserver,
and my constant Benefactor. Pardon, most mer-
ciful Father, all the unworthy returns 1 have made
for the manifold favors received from thee ; and
grant me, for the time to come, such a sense of
thine infinite goodness, that I may love thee with
all my heart, that I may study to please thee in
all things, and be afraid of nothing so much as thy
displeasure.

Make me truly sensible of the vanity of this
world ; that I may not be carried away with the
force and power of sensible objects, nor brought
under the dominion of those lusts which war against
the soul. Give me grace so to use the world, as
not to abuse it ; and grant that neither the cares
of this life, nor the deceitfulness of riches, may
ever make me neglect the great work thou hast
given me to do. Root out of my heart all covetous
aflfections, and let it be my great concern to provide

314 DEVOTIONAL BXBB0I8SS

for eternity, and to lay up a treasure in heaven,
which faileth not. Deliver nie, O my Grod, from
pride and vain glory ; from an uncharitable spirit
and malicious temper ; and from all those corrupt
affections that are so odious in thy sight. Bui
endue me with that wisdom which is first purev
and then peaceable; with that meekness and hu-
mility, which is in thy sight of so great a price,
and with all those holy and Christian disposittons
that thou delightest in. Make me always mindful
of my own frailly, of the uncertainty of this life,
and of the eternity of the next. Make me careful
so to live, in watching and moderation, in praj'cr
and self-denial, as I shall wish I had done when I
come to die : let not sickness or death ever surprise
ine unawares, or find me in a stale unprovided ;
but grant that I may finish the great work of my
salvation before the night comes, when no man can
work. So having laid up a good foundation against
the day of trouble, whenever thou shalt call me
hence, may I cheerfully resign up my soul into thy
hands ; and oh ! wilt thou vouchsafe to receive it
to thy mercy, through the merits, and for the sake
of thy dear Son.

Be with me, O Lord, this day; let thy blessing
accompany all my honest labors and endeavors ;
and grant that I may take nothing in hand, speak
nothing, think nothing, but what is agreeable to
thy blessed will. To thee 1 humbly commend my
soul and body, and all that stand in any relation

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 315

to met beseeching thee of thy great goodness, to
take us under thy protection, to defend us from all
evil, and to lead us into all good. While we are
engaged about things temporal, grant that we may
not forget the things that are eternal, nor be un-
mindful of that great account which we must one
day give. Leave us not to ourselves, but gusu'd
us from those snares and temptations that every
where surround us. Conduct us by thy good Spirit
through all the affairs and business of this life; that
we may at last arrive at that place of everlasting
rest which thou hast prepared for those who love
and fear thee ; through the merits and intercession
of thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father, &c.

^ llrager for Jrldag (Svtnm%.

Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and
whose sin is cohered.

Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin,
and in whose spirit there is no guile.

For whilst I held my tongue, my bones consumed away
through my daily complainii.g.

For thy hand is heavy upon me day and night, and my
moisture is like the drought in summer.

I will acknowledge my sin unto thee; and mine unrighte-
ousness have I not hid.

I said I will confess my sins unto the Lord ; and so thou
forgavest the wickedness of my sin.

816 BBVOTIONAL BZSMOlllS

For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer
unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found ; but in the
great water floods they shall not come nigh him.

Thou art a place to hide me in ; thou shalt preserve me
from trouble ; thou shalt compass me about with songs of
deliverance.

I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein
thou shalt go ; and I will guide thee with mine eye.

Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no under*
standing ; whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle,
lest they fall upon thee.

Great plagues remain for the ungodly; but whoso putteth
his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth him on every side.

Be glad, 0 ye righteous, and rejoice in the Lord ; and be
joyful, all ye that are true of heart.

Most great, and glorious Lord Ood, who hast
created the heavens and the earth, and all things
that are therein; thou upholdest them all by the
power of thy word, and the host of heaven praiseth
thee. Though thou hatest iniquity with a perfect
hatred, yet ihou delightest in the ways of mercy.;
and not only dost permit, but invite us, miserable
creatures, to come to thee.

Drawn by thy gracious invitations and pro-
mises, then, O Lord, I lift up my soul unto thee,
beseeching thee, in much mercy, to look upon me,
and to fVee me from the burden of my corrupt and
sinful inclinations. O cast me not away from thy
presence; but for the sake of my Redeemer, receive
me graciously to thy mercy ; and let the merit of
his death and passion atone tor all the follies and
miscarriages of my life past. Forgive, I beseech

FOE FXR80NS IN PRIYATS. 317

thee, whatever I have done amiss this day, and all
my life past, either against thee, my neighbor, or
myself. Cleanse me from all my secret and un-
known transgressions ; and grant, merciful Fatherf
that I may seriously consider the foulness and de-
formity of sin ; and what dreadful threatnings thou
hast denounced against it ; that I may become a
true and sincere mourner for my past sins, and, as
far as it is possible, redeem my misspent time, by
employing the remainder of my days in thy service,
and to thy glory. O make me wise unto salvation,
aiki give me such hatred and abhorrence of sin
and iniquity, that I may abstain from every kind
and sort of eviL

Give me, O Lord, a new heart, new affections,
and new desires ; that I may love thee with more
sincerity, and serve thee with greater faithfulness
than I have ever yet done. Convince me of the
vanity and uncertainty of all things here below,
and grant that I may make th^e my joy and my
trust, my guide and my counsellor, and be so de-
lighted with the ways of thy commandments, that
one day in thy service may be dearer to me, than
a thousand spent in vanity and folly. Teach me,

0 Lord, so to number my days, that I may apply
my heart unto true wisdom : and grant that in the
days of health and prosperity, I may consider my
latter end, and provide for that great account which

1 must one day give before the judgment-seat of
Christ: that when the hour of my departure shall

818 DEVOTIONAL EXVR0X8S8.

come, I may meet death without fear and amaze-
ment ; and with a well-grounded hope of thy mercy,
may cheerfully resign up my soul into thy hands,
and be willing, and even desirous to leave this
world, when thou, my God, in thy great wisdom,
shall see it fitting.

O I 3rd, to thy merciful providence I commend
the wants and necessities of all mankind. More
especially I pray for the welfare of this nation to
which I belong, beseeching thee to pardon all our
sins, to turn away thy displeasure from us, and to
make us a holy people, zealous of good works.
Defend and prosper thy holy Church ; bless the
work of faith and love, of all those who endeavor
to stop the torrent of vice, and to promote the
interest of virtue and religion among us. Hear
the cry of the poor and the oppressed, give ease
to those that are under any af&iction of mind or
body, and lay not more upon them than thou wilt
enable them to bear. Be gracious to all my friends

and relations, and more particularly to .

O Lord ! thou art thoroughly acquainted with all
their wants; O vouchsafe to give them what thou
seest best and most fit both for their souls and
bodies.

Accept, O merciful Father, of my unfeigned
praises for all thy blessings, spiritual and temporal.
My health and safety, and all the comforts of my
life proceed from thy bounty and goodness: to
thee, therefore, I ascribe all possible praise and

FOR PEQSONS IN PRIVATB.

319

thanksgiving, humbly beseeching thee to grant me
the continuance of thy mercy and goodness. Take
me, and all that belong to me, this night, under the
care and protection of thy good providence. Pre-
serve us from all perils and dangers, and from all
apprehension of any. Give us such refreshing rest
and sleep, as may fit us for the duties of the day
following ; and if thou art pleased to add another
day to our lives, grant that we may make a right
use and improvement of it, to thy glory, and the
benefit of our immortal souls, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.

Our Father, &c

Qi Eraser for Satttrlras Blomn%.

The earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is ; the com-
pass of the world, and they that dwell therein.

For he hath founded it upon the seas, and prepared it upon
the floods.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall
rise up in his holy place ?

Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; and
that hath not lifl up his mind unto Tanity, nor sworn to de-
ceire his neighbor.

He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righte-
ousness from the God of his salvation.

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle ? or who shall
rest upon thy holy hill ?

Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, and doeth the
thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart :

Ho that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil
to his neighbor, and hath not slandered his neighbor:

He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own
eyes, and maketh much of them that fear the Lord :

He that sweareth unto his neighbor, and disappointeth
him not, though it were to his own hindrance :

He that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken
reward against the innocent :

Whoso doeth these things, shall never fall.

O MOST blessed and glorious Lord God, I thy
creature whom thou hast made, and to this moment
hast preserved, do now present myself before thee,
to offer the sacrifice of my humble praises and
thanksgivings. Thy mercies are renewed to me
every morning, and thy goodness follows me all

BBTOTIONAL MXETUJOMB* 391

the day long ; thou visitest me in the night season,
and every moment of my life is a new instance of
thy mercy. It is by thy goodness, O Lord, that I
have this night slept securely, and am now raised
up in health and safety. Praised therefore, be thy
name, O God, for of thee only cometh my salvation.
Thou art the God of my health, my Saviour and
mighty Deliverer ; as long as I live I will magnify
thee, O Lord ; for a joyful and pleasant thing it is
to be thankful.

Imprint on my mind such a deep sense of thy
goodness, that I may never provoke thee to with-
draw thy mercies from me. Let not the blessings
thou bestowest on me make me in love with this
world ; let neither covetousness nor ambition ; nei-
ther pride nor a contempt of others, be the effect
of thy loving kindness towards me ; but endue me
with such an humble and contented mind, such a
meek and resigned spirit, as becomes a creature
and a sinner.

Fit and prepare me, O Lord, for every condition
and change, but especially for my great and last
change. Strengthen my faith in the time of sick-
ness and trial, and forsake me not when my strength
faileth me. Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be then
open to my prayers ; and spare me, O Lord most
holy, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful
Saviour, deliver me not into the bitter pains of
eternal death. And when my last hour shall arrive,

suffer me not, through any pains of body, or weak-

14*

389 DBTOnONAL BXKBOISBS

ness of mind, to let go my dependence on thee.
Let not the cruel enemy of my soul afiright me ;
but give thy holy angels charge over me ; and let
the consolations of thy Holy Spirit fortify my mind,
and dissipate my fears.

Be with me, O Lord, this day, m my going out
and coming in ; preserve me from the dangers of
evil company ; from the deceitfulness of my own
heart ; and defend me more especially from those
sins that are most apt to betray and ensnare me.
Let thy blessings accompany all my honest labors
and endeavors, and vouchsafe me such a measure
of health, and other temporal mercies, as thou seest
best for roe. I desire, O Lord, to leave myself,
and all my affairs, in thy hands, humbly beseech-
ing thee to take me, and all that belong to me,
under the care and protection of thy good Provi-
dence ; and so to bless, direct, and guide us in this
life that we may at last obtain that greatest of all
blessings, the eternal salvation of our immortal
souls, through the merits, and for the sake of thy
dear Son, our only Saviour, Jesus Christ the
Righteous.

Our Father, &c.

FOR PBR60NS IN PRITATB. 898

% llrager for SatartraQ (Smnm%.

The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof; yea,
the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.

Clouds and darkness are round about him ; righteousness
and judgment are the habitation of his seat.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh
my help.

My help cometh even from the Lord, who hath made
heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; and he that
keepeth thee will not sleep.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor
sleep.

The Lord himself is thy keeper; the Lord is thy defence
upon thy right hand ;

So that the sun shall not bum thee by day, neither the
moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; yea, it is even
he that shall keep thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming
in, from this time forth for evermore.

0 ye that love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing which
is evil : Ahe Lord presorveth the souls of his saints ; he shall
deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.

There is sprung up a light for the righteous, and joyful
gladness for such as are true-hearted.

Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and give thanks for a
remembrance of his holiness.

O ETERNAL LoKD, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
one God, blessed for evermore ; I, thy unworthy
servant, adore thy glorious Majesty, acknowledging
my dependence upon thee, and that all I have
proceeds from thine infinite bounty and goodness.

984 DBTOTIONAL BZBB0IBB8

O Lord, my conscience accases me of baring
acted foolishly and wickedly, contrary to my best
and greatest interest, contrary to thy gracious and
boly will. The weightiest concerns of this world
are naught when compared with eternity; and yet
how do I grow careless and remiss in the great
and important work of my salvation, and suffer my
affections to be carried away after the things of
this vain and miserable life.

O Lord, although the wages, and desert, and
punishment of sin, is death ; thou art infinite in
mercy, and wiliest not the death of a sinner ;
remember then, I beseech thee, thy tender mercies ;
and for the sake of my dear Redeemer, have mercy
upon me, and be not angry with me for ever.
Accept of that full, perfect, and suflBicient sacrifice,
which thy beloved Son offered upon the cross ;
and through the merits of his death and passion,
pardon all my sins, particularly those which I
have this day committed. O Lord, give me an
inierest in the blood of the immaculate Lamb,
Jesus Christ ; and grant that 1 may never render
those sufferings which he underwent for sinners,
ineffectual to the salvation of my soul- Give me
grace to forsake every evil way. Possess my soul
with just apprehensions of the infinite disproportion
there is between this world and the next; between
hell and heaven ; ihat I may make a right use of
all those gracious opportunities which thou hast
given me of working out my salvation, and securing

FOR PSBSOKS IN VBIVATB* 88ft

an inheritance ii\ that kingdom which shall last for
ever. Let no temptations or allurements, no habits
or propensities, divert me from securing the interest
of my soUl ; whatever else I leave undone, let that
be my great care and concern, the first and last of
all my thoughts, and the chief employment of my
whole life.

O Lord, suffer not the affairs and business in
which I am engaged, to draw my thoughts and
affections from heaven and heavenly things; but
grant that I may so pass through things temporal,
as not to lose the things that are eternal. In all
the concerns of this life, may I govern myself by
the rules of temperance, justice, prudence, and
moderation, and with an entire dependence on thy
fatherly care and good providence. Having always
before my eyes that great account which I must
one day give, may I never dare to do any thing to
dishonor thy name, nor be so foolish, as to purchase
any pleasure in this world at the expense of thy
favor. Making thy laws the rule of all my actions,
may I approve myself to thee, as becometh thy
servant; being zealous and devout in thy service ;
kind and charitable towards my neighbor, meek
and patient, humble and inofiensive ; and as far as
in me lies, useful and beneficial to the world; that
so glorifying thee here upon earth, I may, at my
departure hence, enter into the joy of my Lord.

Be gracious, most merciful God, to the whole
race of mankind. Pity the deplorable state of those

886 BBTOnONAL BXaBOISBS

that know thee not, and have never heard of thy
name. ReForm the wicked and impenitent» and let
all that name the name of Christ depart from in-
iquity. Be mindful, O Lord, of all that are in any
affliction or distress. Relieve and comfort those
that suiier for the testimony of a good conscience,
or that labor under the torments of a wounded
spirit. Let the sorrowful sighing of the afflicted
come before thee, and deliver them in thy good
time out of all their troubles. Let every one of my
friends and relations, O God, be of the number of
those whom thou lovest Defend them from the
evils and temptations of this world, and grant them
whatever thou seest needful both for their souls
and bodies.

To these my prayers and intercessions, I desire
to add my unfeigned praises for all thy blessings,
spiritual and temporal, and for the fountain of them
all, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. I bless thee
more particularly for the mercies of the day past ;
for preserving me in health and safety; and for
delivering me from the evils which I have most
justly deserved. Give me grace to make a right
use of all thy mercies ; and vouchsafe, O Lord, to
continue to me thy gracious favor and protection.
Fit and prepare me, by suitable meditations and
exercises, for the duties of the approaching holy
day. May I be in the Spirit on the Lord's day.
In the closet, the family, and the sanctuary, may
I worship thee acceptably, with reverence, and

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB.

387

love, and godly fear. Bless and prosper to me,
to mine, and to thy whole Church, all the means
of grace. Be thou pleased, of thy great goodness,
to take me, and all that belong to me, this night,
under the care of thy good Providence. Defend
us from all perils and dangers ; and after the com-
fortable refreshments of rest and sleep, raise us up
in health and safety, with hearts full of love to
thee, and zeal to thy service, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.

Our Father, &c.

OTHER DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATK.

iSlomtng IpraQtr.

AN ACT OF ADORATION.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was,
and is, and is to come ; heaven and earth, angels
and men, the air and the sea, give glory, and honor,
and thanks, to him that sitteth on the throne, who
liveth for ever and ever. All the blessed spirits
and souls oF the righteous cast their crowns before
the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever
and ever. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory, and honor, and power ; for thou hast created
all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created. Great and marvellous are thy works, O
Lord God Almighty ; just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints. Thy wisdom is infinite, thy
mercies are glorious ; and I am not worthy, O Lord,
to appear in thy presence, before whom the angels

OTHBm BSTOnOH AL wcBBoans. 899

hide their faces. O holy and eternal Jesus, Lamb
of God, who wert slain from the beginning of the
world, thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
out of every nation, and hast made us unto our
God kings and priests, and we shall reign with
thee for ever. Blessing, honor, glory, and power,
be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and to the
Lamb for ever. Amen.

AN AOT OP THANKSOrVTNO.

Sing praises unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,
and give thanks to him for a remembrance of his
holiness. For his wrath endureth but the twinkling
of an eye, and in his pleasure is life : heaviness
may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning. Thou, Lbrd, hast preserved me this
night from the violence of the spirits of darkness,
from all sad casualties and evil accidents, from the
wrath which I have every day deserved: thou
hast brought my soul out of hell, thou hast kept my
life from them that go down into the pit: thou hast
showed me marvellous great kindness, and hast
blessed me for ever : the greatness of thy glory
reacheth unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the
clouds. Therefore shall every good man sing of
thy praise withovt ceasing. O my God, I will give
thanks to thee for ever. Amen.

SSO OTHBR DBVOTIOHAL SXBB0I8B8

AN AOT OP OBLATION. OR PRESENTDTO 0XTRSELVE8 TO

GOD FOR THE DAY.

Most holy and eternal God, Lord and Sovereign
of all creatures, I humbly present to thy divine
Majesty myself, my soul and body, my thoughts
and my words, my actions and intentions, my pas-
sions and my sufferings, to be disposed by thee to
thy glory, to be blessed by thy providence, to be
guided by thy counsel, to be sanctified by thy
Spirit, and afterwards that my body and soul may
be received into glory : for nothing can perish which
is under thy custody ; and the enemy of souls can-
not devour what is thy portion, nor take it out of
thy hands. This day, O Lord, and all the days
of ray life, I dedicate to thy honor, and the actions
of my calling to the uses of grace, and the religion
of all my days, to be united to the merits and in-
tercession of my holy Saviour, Jesus, that in him,
and for him, I may be pardoned and accepted.
Amen*

AN ACT OF REPENTANOK

For as for me, I am not worthy to be called thy
servant, much less am I worthy to be thy son ; for
I am greedy of sin and impatient of reproof, desirous
to seem holy and negligent of being so, transported
with interest, fooled with presumption and false
principles, disturbed with anger, with a peevish
and unmortified spirit, and disordered by a whole

VOE PBRS0K8 XN PRI7ATB* 331

body of sin and death. Lord, pardon all my sins
for my dearest Saviour's sake : thou who didst die
for me, holy Jesus, save me and deliver me.
Reserve not my sins to be punished in the day
of wrath and eternal vengeance ; but wash them
away, and blot them out of thy remembrance, and
purify my soul with the waters of repentance and
tho blood of the cross ; that for what is past thy
wrath may not come out against me, and for the
time to come I may never provoke thee to anger or
to jealousy. O just and holy God, be pitiful and
gracious to thy servant. Amen.

THE PRATER.

Bless me, gracious God, in my calling to such
purposes as thou shalt choose for me, or employ
me in : relieve me in all my sadness, make my bed
in my sickness, give me patience in my sorrows,
confidence in thee, and grace to call upon thee in
all temptations. O be thou my guide in all my
actions, my protector in all dangers : give me a
healthful body, and a clear understanding; a sanc-
tified and just, a charitable and humble, a religious
and a contented spirit : let not my life be miserable
and wretched, nor my name stained with sin and
shame, nor my condition lifted up to a tempting
and dangerous fortune; but let my condition be
blessed, my conversation useful to my neighbors,
and pleasing to thee ; that when my body shall lie

SS9 oTHn jmrorfmAXs mxmnowMB

down in its bed of darkness, my soul may pass
into the regions of light, and live with thee for
ever, through Jesus Christ.

Give me thy grace, O Lord, that I may be a
curious and prudent spender of my time, so as I
may best prevent or resist all temptation, and be
profitable to the Christian commonwealth, and by
discharging all my duty, may glorify thy name.
Take from me all slothfulness, and give me a dili-
gent and an active spirit, and wisdom to choose
my employment, that I may do works proporlion-
able to my person, and to the dignity of a Christian,
and may fill up all the spaces of my time with
actions of religion and charity ; that when the devil
assaults me, he may not find me idle, and my
dearest Lord at his sudden coming may find me
busy in lawful, necessary, and pious actions, im-
proving my talent intrusted to me by thee, my
Lord, that I may enter into the joy of my Lord, to
partake of his eternal felicities, even for thy mercies'
sake, and for my dearest Saviour's sake. Amen.

AN ACT OP INTERCESSION.

O Grod of infinite mercy, who hast compassion
on all men, and relievest ihe necessities of all that
call to thee for help, hear the prayers of thy servant,
who unworthy to ask any petition for himself, yet
in humility and duty is bound to pray for others.

O let thy mercy descend upon the whole Church ;

FOB PSB80N8 IN FUYATM. 333

preserve her tiath in peace, in unity and safety, in
all storms, and against all temptations and enemies ;
that she, offering to thy glory the never-ceasing
sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, may advance
the honor of her Lord, and be filled with his spirit,
and partake of his glory. Amen*

Defend and prosper this country, which thou
hast so signally favored, and grant that true religion
and virtue may every where abound among us.
In mercy remember the President of the United
States, and all magistrates, and all ministers of thy
Gospel. Preserve the pastors of thy Church in
piety, and knowledge, and zeal ; under a strict dis-
cipline, and in a holy conversation. And keep our
rulers, temporal and spiritual, perpetually in thy
fear and favor, and crown them with glory and
immortality.

Bless thy servant my wife, (or husband,) with
health of body and spirit. O let the hand of thy
blessing be upon his (or her) head night and day,
and support him in all necessities, strengthen him
in all temptations, comfort him in all his sorrows,
and let him be thy servant in all changes ; and
make us both to dwell with thee for ever in thy
favor, in the light of thy countenance, and in thy
glory. Amen.

Bless my children with healthful bodies, with
good understandings, with the graces and gifts of
thy Spirit, with the constant protection of thy pro-
vidence, with sweet dispositions and holy habits ;

884 OTHS& DSTOnONA£ EZBHOttnes

and sanctify them throughout in their bodies, and
souls, and spirits, and keep them unblameable and
safe to the coming of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

Be pleased, O Lord, to remember my friends
and relatives, all that have prayed for me, and all

that have done me good : Do thou good to

them, and return all their kindness double into their
own bosoms, rewarding them with blessings, and
'sanctifying them with thy grace, and bringing
them to glory. May they receive the benefit of my
prayers, and the blessings of God ; the comforts
and supports of ihy providence, and the sanctifica-
tion of thy Spirit.

Relieve and comfort all the persecuted and
afflicted ; speak peace to troubled consciences ;
strengthen the weak ; comfort the strong ; instruct
the ignorant ; deliver the oppressed from him that
spoileth him, and relieve the needy that hath no
helper; and bring us all by the waters of comfort,
and in the ways of righteousness, to the kingdom
of rest and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen,

Jprager for JJ'ocm.

O ETERNAL GoD, mcrciful and gracious, vouchsafe
thy favor and thy blessing to thy servant ; let the
love of thy mercies, and the awe and fear of thy

Torn PBE90N8 IN PAITATB. 8M

Majesty, make me careful and inquisitive to search
thy will, and diligently to perform it, and to perse-
vere in the practices of a holy life, even till the last
of my days.

Keep me, O Lord, for I am thine by creation ;
guide me, for I am thine by purchase ; thou hast
redeemed me by the blood of thy Son, and loved
me witli the love of a Father, for I am thy child
by adoption and grace : let thy mercy pardon my
sins, thy providence secure me from the punish-
ments and evils I have deserved, and thy care
watch over me, that I may never any more offend
thee : make me in malice to be a child ; but in
understanding, piety, and the fear of God, may I
be a perfect man in Christ, innocent and prudent,
readily furnished and instructed to every good
work.

Keep me, O Lord, from the destroying angel,
and from the wrath of God : let thy anger never
rise against me, but thy rod gently correct my
follies, and guide me in thy ways, and thy staff
support me in all sufferings and changes. Keep
all my senses entire till the day of my death, and
let my death be neither sudden, untimely, nor un-
provided ; let it be after the common manner of
men, having in it nothing extraordinary, but an
extraordinary piety, and the manifestation of thy
great and miraculous mercy.

Let no riches make me ever forget myself — no
poverty ever make me to forget thee : let neither

8S6 OTHBS DBVOTIONAL BZHOOBS

•

hope nor fear, pleasure nor pain, no accident with-
onty nor weakness within, hinder or discompose my
duty, or turn me from the ways of thy command-
ments. O let thy Spirit dwell with me for ever,
and make my soul just and charitable, full of
honesty, full of religion, resolute and constant in
holy purposes, but inflexible to evil. Make me
humble and obedient, peaceable and pious : let me
never envy any man's good, nor deserve to be
despised myself: and if I be, teach me to bear it
with meekness and charily.

Give me a tender conscience ; a conversation
discreet and affable, modest and patient, liberal
and obliging ; a body chaste and healthful ; com-
petency of living according to my condition ; con-
tentedness in all estates, a resigned will, and
mortified affections ; that I may be as thou wouldst
have me, and my portion may be in the lot with
the righteous, in the brightness of thy countenance,
and the glories of eternity.

Bestow thy loving-kindness upon all thy crea-
tures, and especially with pity, O gracious Com-
forter, behold all that are in affliction ; hear the
sighings of the distressed, the groans of the sick,
the prayers of the oppressed, the desires of the
poor and needy; give them patience under their
sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their trials,
for Jesus Christ's sake.

FOR PBRSr)NS IN PRIVATE. 337

0 ETERNAL GoD, great Father of men and angels,
who hast established the heavens and the earth in
a wonderful order, making day and night to suc-
ceed each other; I make my humble address to
thy divine Majesty, begging of thee mercy and
protection this night and ever. O Lord, pardon
all my sins, my light and rash words, the vanity
and impiety of my thoughts, my unjust and un-
charitable actions, and whatsoever I have trans-
gressed against thee this day, or at any time before.
Behold, O God, my soul is troubled in the remem-
brance of my sins, in the frailty and sinfulness of
my flesh, exposed to every temptation, and of itself
not able to resist any. Lord God of mercy, I
earnestly beg thee to give me such a portion of
thy grace, as may be efleclual for the mortification
of all my sins, and vanities, and disorders: that as

1 have formerly served my lusts and unworthy
desires, so now I may give myself wholly to thy
service and the duties of a holy life.

Blessed Lord, teach me frerpicntly and sadly

to remember my sins ; and bo thou pleased to

remember them no more: let me never forget thy

mercies, and do thou still remember to do me good.

Teach me to walk always as in thy presence :

ennoble my soul with great degrees of love to thee,

3SS OTHEB DEVOTfOXAL B^BBGISBS

and impress on my ?j)irit a great fear and venera-
tion of ihv holv name and l-iws ; that it mav

mm ' ^

become ihe grf*at employment of my whole life to
serve thee, to advance thv slorv, to root out all the
love and habits of sin, that in holiness of life, in
humilitv, in charitv, and in all the ornaments of
grace, I mjiy Ijy patience wait the coming of our
Lord Jesus.

Teach ine, O Lord, to nufiil)er my days, that I
may apply my heart unto wisdom; ever to remem-
ber my hiSt end, that I may not dare to sin against
thee. Let ih\' good providence be ever present
with me, to keep me in all my ways from the
malice and vit^lcnce of the spirits of darkness, from
evil company, and the occasions and opportunities
of evil, from all ihc v»ays of sinful shame, from the
hands of all mine enemies, from a sinful life, and
from despair in the hour of my death. Then, O
blessed Saviour, shine gloriously upon me: let thy
mercies, iind the light of thy countenance susiam
nic in all my agonies, weaknesses, and temptations.
Give me opportunity of a [)ru(leut and spiritual
guide, and of receiving the holy sacrament; and
let thy loving Spirit so guitic mc in the ways of
p(jace and safely, that with the testimony of a good
conscience, and the sense of thy mercies, I may
depart this life, in the unity of the Church, in the
love of God, and a certain hope of sidvation. through
Jesus Christ.

Bless, O gracious Father, thy holy Catholic

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 839

Church, and fill it with truth and grace ; where it
is corrupt, purge it ; where it is in error, direct it ;
where it is superstitious, rectify it; where it is
faulty, reform it ; where it i? right, strengthen and
confirm it; where it is divided and rent asunder,
heal the breaches of it, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Visit, I beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation
with thy mercy, and me with thy grace and salva-
tion. Let thy holy angels pitch their tents round
about and dwell here ; that the spirits of darkness
may not come near to hurt me, nor any sad accident
assault me : and let the eternal Spirit of the Father
dwell in my soul and body, filling every chamber
of my heart with light and grace. Let no deed or
agent of darkness overtake me ; and let thy bless-
ing, most blessed Gk)d, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, be upon me for ever, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

inorning Prater.

Most glorious and eternal God, Father of mercy,
and founlain of all comfort, I worship and adore
thee with the lowest humility of ray soul and body,
and give thee all thanks and praise for thy infinite
glories and perfections ; and for the continual de-
monstration of thy mercies upon me, upon all mine,
and upon thy holy Church.

I acknowledge, holy God, that I have deserved
thy wrath and indignation ; and that if thou hadst
dealt with me according to my deserving, I had
now at this instant been desperately bewailing my
misery in the sorrows and horrors of a sad eieruhy.
But thy mercy, triumphing over thy justice and
my sins, has still continued to me life and time of
repentance ; thou hast opened to me the gates of
grace and mercy, and perpetually called upon me
to enter in, and to walk in the paths of a holy life, ,
that I might glorify thee, and be glorified of thee
eternally.

Behold, O God, for this thy great and unspeak-
able goodness, for thy preservation of me this night,
and for all thy other graces and blessings, I offer
up my soul and body, all that I am, and all that I
have, as a sacrifice to thee and thy service; humbly
'^egg'og ^f ^^^^ l<^ pardon all my sins, to defend
me from all evil, to lead me into all good, and let
my portion be amongst thy redeemed ones, in the

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 341

gathering together of the saints, in the kingdom of
grace and glory.

Guide me, O Lord, in all the changes and
varieties of the world, that in all things that shall
happen, I may have an evenness and tranquility
of spirit, that my soul may be wholly resigned to
thy divine will and pleasure; never murmuring at
thy gentle chastisements and fatherly correction;
never becoming proud and insolent, though I feel a
torrent of comforts and prosperous successes. Fix
my thoughts, my hopes, and my desires, upon
heaven and heavenly things: teach me to despise
the world, to repent me deeply for my sins ; give me
holy purposes of amendment, and divine strength
to perform faithfully whatsoever I shall intend
piously. Enrich my understanding with an internal
treasure of divine truths, that I may know thy will.
And thou who workest in us to will and to do of
thy good pleasure, teach me to obey all thy com-
mandjnents, to believe all thy revelations, and
make me partaker of all thy gracious promises.

Teach me to watch over all my ways, that 1
may never be surprised by sudden temptations, or
a careless spirit, nor ever return to folly and vanity.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep
the door of my lips, that I offi^nd not, either against
piety or charity. Let all my passions and affections
bcso mortilied and brought under ihe dominion of
grace, that I mny never, by deliberation and pur-
pose, nor yet by levity, rashness, or inconsideration.

342 OTHEB DEVOTIONAL EZBHCI8B8

oflfend thy divine Majesty. Make me such as thou
wouldst have me 10 be: strengthen my faith, con-
firm my hope, and give me a daily increase of
charity; tliat this day an<l ever I may serve thee
according to all my opportunities and capacities,
growing from grace to grace ; till at last, by thy
mercies, I shall receive the consummation and
perfection of grace, even the glories of thy kingdom,
in the full fruition of the face and excellencies of
God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; to
whom be glory and praise, honor and adoration
given by all angels, and all men, now and to all
eternity, jimen.

JJragtr for JToon.

Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace,
good will towards men. I praise thee, I bless
thee, I worship thee, I glorif}^ thee, I give thanks
to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly
King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy
upon me. TLou who takest away the sins of the
world, have mercy upon me. Thou who takest
away the sins of the world, receive my prayer.
Thou who siltest at the right hand of God the
Father, have mercy upon me.

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 343

For ihou only art holy ; thou only art the Lord ;
thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most
High in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

O almighty God, and most merciful Father, who
day after day, dost minister to sinful man infinite
occasions of praising thee, accept of my unfeigned
thanks for all the blessings I have, and every day
receive, from ihy good providence.

That of thine own mere goodness, and without
any merit of mine, or of my forefathers, thou hast
given me a being from honest and religious parents,
and in such a part of the world where the Christian
religion is purely taught, and thy sacraments duly
administered : —

That thou didst endue me with reason, and
perfect senses ; and to make these more comfortable
to me, didst give me a sound and healthful body : —

That thou gavest me an early knowledge of
thee, my Creator and Redeemer: — That thou hast
preserved me ever since my birth, and hath vouch-
safed me health and liberty, and a competency of
.means for my support : —

That thou hast redeemed me by thy Son, and
given me a share in his merits ; sanctified me by
thy holy Spirit, and hast heaped many favors upon
me : —

That thou hast given me honest friends, to
admonish, to counsel, to encourage, and to support
me by their interest and advice : —

That thou hast been my refuge in tribulation.

344 OTHKR DEVOTIONAL BXBBCmBS

and my defence in all adver?ifies ; delivering nne
from dangers, infamy, and troubles : — For all
known or un()l)5erved deliverances, and for the
guard th\' holy angels keep over me, I praise thy
good providence.

When I went astrav thon didst reduce me;
when I was sad, thou didst comfort me ; when I
oflended thee, thou didst forbear and gently correct
me, and didst long expect my repentance ; and
when for the grrevousness of my sins, I was ready
to despair, thou didst keep me from utter ruin.
Thou hast delivered me from the snares and assaults
of the devil: thou hast not only preserved my soul,
but my body from destruction, when sickness and
infirmities t(X)k hold of me.

O Lord and Father, I cannot render due thanks
and praise for all these mercies bestowed upon
me : such as I have, I give thee ; and humbly be-
seech thee to accept of this my daily sacrifice of
thanksgiving.

Pardon, O God, all my former ingratitude; and
that I have passed so many days without observing,
without admiring, without acknowledging and con-
fessing thy wonderful goodness to the most un-
worthy of thy servants. For, when I soberly con-
sider my dependence upon thee, as there is no
hour of my life that I do not enjoy thy favors, and
taste of thy goodness, so, if my frailly would per-
mit, I would spend no part of my life without
remembering thee.

POR PBRS0N8 IN PRIVATB. 346

Praise the Lord, then, O my soul, and all that
is within me praise his holy name. Glory be to
thee, O Lord, my Creator. Glory be to thee, O
Jesus, my Redeemer. Glory be to the Holy Ghosf,
my sanctifier, my guide and comforter. All love,
all glory, be to the high and undivided Trinity,
whose works are inseparable, and whose dominion
endureth world without end".

(ffxrening Jlragcr.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus,
who hath sent his angels, and kept me this day
from the destruction that wasteih at noon, and the
arrow that flieth by day ; and hath given me his
Spirit to restrain me from those evils to which my
own weaknesses, and my evil propensities, and my
unquiet enemies, would easily betray me. Blessed
and for ever hallowed be thy name, for that never-
ceasing shower of blessings by which I live, and
am content, and blessed, and provided for in all
necessities, and set forward in my duty and way
to heaven. Blessing, honor, glory, and power, be
unto him, that sitteth upon the throne, and to the
Lamb, for ever and ever.

When I seriously consider, great God, my de-
pendence upon thy providence, and that the favors

and mercies I have received, are infinitely more

15*

846 OTHKB DBVOnONAL BXSBCEBBS

ID number than the acknowledgments I have made,
1 am justly ashamed of my ingratitude, and afraid
lest my unthankfulness should provoke thee to
binder the current of thy blessings from descend-
ing upon me.

Forgive, O merciful Father, my past negligen-
cics ; and give me grace for the time to come, to
observe and to value thy kindnesses as becomes
one who has received so much more than he de-
serves.

Preserve in my soul, O God, such a constant
and clear sense of my obligations to thee, that
upon the receipt of every favor, I may immediately
turn my eyes to Him from whom cometh my sal-
vation : that thy manifold blessings may fix such
lasting impressions upon my soul, that I may always
praise thee faithfully here on earth, until it shall
please thee, of thy unbounded mercy, to call me
nearer the place of thy heavenly habitation, to
praise my Lord and deliverer to all eternity.

Into thy hands, most blessed Jesus, I commend
my soul and body, for thou hast redeemed both with
thy most precious blood. So bless and sanctify
my sleep unto me, that it may be temperate, holy,
and safe ; a refreshment to my wearied body, to
enable it to serve my soul, that both may serve
thee with a never-failing duty. O let me never
sleep in sin or death eternal, but give me a watchful
and prudent spirit, that I may omit no opportunity
of serving thee; that whether I sleep or wake, live

FOR PERSONS IS PRIVATE. 347

or die, I may be thy servant and thy child : that
when the work of my life is done, I may rest in
the bosom of my Lord ; till, by the voice of the
archangel, the trump of God, I shall be awakened
and called to sit down and feast in the eternal
supper of the Lamb. Grant this, O Lamb of God,
for the honor of thy mercies, and the glory of thy
name.

Infinite and eternal God, thou fillest all things
with ihy presence ; thou art every where by thy
essence, and by ihy power ; in heaven by thy glory ;
in holy places by thy grace and favor ; in the hearts
of thy servants by thy Spirit ; in the consciences
of all men by thy testimony and observation of us.
Teach me to walk always as in thy presence ; to
fear thy majesty ; to reverence thy wisdom and
omniscience, that I may never dare to commit any
indecency in the eye of my Lord and my Judge ;
but that I may with so much care and reverence
demean myself, that my Judge may not be my
accuser, but my advocate ; that I, expressing the
belief of thy presence here by careful walking,
may feel the effects of it in the participation of
eternal glory hereafter.

Thou, O God, hast made all things for man,
and man for thy glory, O sanctify my body and
soul, my thoughts and intentions, my words and
actions, that whatsoever I shall think, or speak, or
do, may be by me designed to glorify thy name,
and by thy blessing, it may be effective and sue-

348 OTHER DEVOTIONAL BZBRCI8BS

cessful in the work of God, and in exalting mj
nature. Lord, turn my necessities into virtue, the
works of nature into the works of grace, by making
them orderly, regular, temperate, subordinate, and
profitable to ends beyond their own proper efficacy.
And let no pride or self-seeking, no covetousness
or revenge, no impure mixture or unhandsome
purposes, no little ends and low imaginations,
pollute my spirit, and unhallow any of my words
and actions : but let my body be a servant of my
spirit, and both body and spirit servants of Jesus ;
that doing all things f()r thy glory here, I may be
partaker of thy glory hereafter.

Creator of all, I beseech thee let thy fatherly
kindness be upon all that thou hast made. Have
mercy upon all Jews, Turks, infidels, and heretics,
and grant that none may deprive themselves of that
happiness which Jesus Christ has purchased by
his death. Bless the pious endeavors of all those
tha strive to propagate the Gospel of Christ; and
may its saving truths be received in all the world.
Preserve thy Church in the midst of the dangers
that surround it: purge it from all corruptions, and
heal its divisions, that all Christian people may
unite and love as becomes the disciples of Christ.
Grant that all bishops and pastors may be careful
to observe the sacred rites committed to their trust-
— that godly discipline maj' be restored and coun-
tenanced : — that Christians may not content them-
selves with bare shadows of religion and piety, but

FOR PEBSONS IX PRIVATB. 349

endeavor after that holiness without which no man
can see the Lord : — that 5uch as arc in authority
may govern with truth and justice; and that those
whose duty it is to obey, may do it for conscience
sake. Let all that sincerely seek the truth, be led
by thy Holy Spirit : and to all such as are destitute
of necessary instruction, vouchsafe a greater mea-
sure of thy grace. Support and comfort all that
labor under trials and afflictions, all that suffer
wrongfully ; and by thy mighty grace succor all
those that are tempted. Give unto all sinners a
true sense of their unhappy stale, and grace and
strength to break their bonds. Visit with thy
fatherly comforts, all such as are now in their last
sickness, that they may omit nothing that is neces-
sary to make their peace with thee. Be gracious
lo all those countries that are made desolate by the
sword, famine, pestilence, or persecution ; and
sanctify the miseries of this life to the everlasting
benefit of all that suffer. Preserve this land from
the miseries of war; this Church from persecution,
and from all wild and dangerous errors; and this
people from forgetting thee, their Lord and bene-
factor. Avert the judgments which we have justly
deserved, and mercifully prevent the ruin that
threatens us; and grant that we may ever be pre-
pared for what thy providence shall bring f()rth.

Bless all persons and places toAvhich thy pro-
vidence has made me a debtor ; all who have been
instrumental to my good, by their assistance, advice,

360 OTHBR DEVOTIONAL BXBBCISBS.

or example; and make me in my turn useful to
others. Let none of ihose who cannot pray for
themselves, and desire my prayers, want thy
mercy; but defend, and comfort, and conduct them
through this dangerous world, that we may meet
in paradise, to praise our God for ever and ever.
Enlighten the minds and pardon the sins, of all
that err through simplicity. Let the wickedness
of the wicked come to an end, but guide thou the
just. Relieve and comfort all that are troubled in
mind or conscience ; — all that are in danger of fall-
ing into despair; — all that are in any dangerous
error; — all that are in prison, in slavery, or under
persecution, for a righteous cause ; — all that are in
any distress whatever ; that all may improve under
their sufferings. Have mercy upon and reclaim all
that are engaged in sinful courses, in youthful lusts,
in" unchristian quarrels, and in unrighteous law-
suits. Direct all that are in doubt, all that seek
the truth.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all, have
mercy upon all whom thou hast made and re-
deemed, for thy name's sake, and for thy promises
sake. We ask and offer all, only in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

iJlorning Jpratier.

Glory be to thee, O Lord, all glory be to thee, for
the sleep which thou hast graciously given me this
night : a seasonable recruit lo the wastings, and a
kind intermission to the labors, of this poor, weak,
and wearied body.

And now, as thou hast added to the number of
my days, that this and every day may be employed
to the perfecting of holiness in thy fear, and sweet-
ened with the comforts of health, of peace, and
innocence — grant, O good Lord.

Grant that the angel of peace, the holy guide
of thy children, the faithful guard set over their
souls and bodies, may encamp round about me,
and continually suggest to my mind such things as
conduce to thy glory, and to my salvation.

Grant that all the sins, offences, and negligen-
cies of my days already gone, may, by thy mercy,
be freely pardoned, and entirely done away.

Grant that it may please thee to bless the world
with prosperity and peace, but chiefly with such
dispensations and providences, as thou knowest
most expedient for the good of all our souls.

Finally, since this life must shortly have an
end, that mine may be concluded with a truly
Christian death, a death perfectly void of sin and
shame; and (if such be thy good pleasure) as free
from pain as may be, grant, O good Lord. But,

352 OTfiRA DEVOTIONAL BXBBCtSBS

above all, as it is appointed unto all men once to
die, and after that the judgment, — that 1 may ap-
pear with comfort, and find a favorable account, at
the great and terrible tribunal of thy Son, Jesus
Christ, who, I believe, shall come to be our Judge,
grant, O good Lord, for thy 'dear Son's sake.

OTHER EJACULATIONS TO BE USED AS OPPORTUNITY

MAY OFFER.

Blot out, I pray thee, as a cloud, my transgres;
sions, and as the thickness of the morning cloud
my sins. Grant me to walk as a child of light,
soberly, purely, and honestly, as in the day ; and
this day, in particular, O Lord, vouchsafe to keep
me without sin, upholding me, when I am about to
ffill, and lifting me up, if I am down ; that I may
never be suffered to continue under any provoca-
tion, or temptation, nor to have my heart hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. Let my body also
be safe under thy protection, and defend me under
the shadow of thy wings from the snare of the
hunter, and from the noisome pestilence, from the
arrow that flieth by day, and from the sickness
that destroyeth at noon.

Defend this day from all evil of mine, and pre-
serve me from all the evil of this day. Suffer not
^y days to be consumed in vanity, nor my years
in trouble ; but let each tell and instruct another,
by some useful improvement in knowledge, or
practical virtue. O let me bear thy loving-kindness

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 353

betimes in- the morning, for in thee is my trust.
Show thou me the way that I should walk in, for
I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord,
from my spiritual enemies, for I flee unto thee to
hide me. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth
thee, for thou art my God : let thy loving Spirit
lead me forth into the land of righteousness.
Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake; and
for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of
trouble. Remove far from me thoughts that are
without understanding; and evermore inspire me
with such thoughts, as are wise and good, and
well-pleasing in thy sight.

Turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity,
but let them be fixed on the thing that is right.
Inclose mine ears with a hedge of thorns, that no
foolish, filthy, or profane talk may be allowed to
enter in : but let them be open to discipline and
wisdom, and always give willing attention to the
words of truth and righteousness. Set a watch, O
Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my
lips ; let my speech be governed by charity, and
good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers. Let no work of my hands
cause grief or just offence of heart ; but let me be
continually employed in sr)me actions, for which
thou, my God, mayest remember me for good;
and spare me according to the multitude of thy
mercies.

Into thy hands I commend my soul, and my

354 OTHER DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES

body, for thou hast created, redeemed, and regen-
erated them, O Lord, thou God of truth: and, to-
gether with myself, all my relations and friends,
all my possessions and comforts ; for all these thou
hast graciously given to thy unworthy servant.
Preserve us, I beseech thee, from all evil, yea, do
even thou preserve pur souls ; and let them be
presented before thy Majesty, holy and unreprov-
able, in the day of the Lord Jesus. Prosper, I
pray thee, thy servant this day, that I may find
favor, and be able to do good, among those that
shall converse with me. Haste thee, O Lord, to
my help: be always at hand to direct me. O turn
thee unto me, and have mercy upon me ; give thy
strength unto thy servant, and show some token
upon me for good, that they who hate me, may see
it and be ashamed, because thou, O Lord, hast
holpen me, and comforted me, thou, my Saviour,
in whose merits alone I trust.

ON SUNDAY.

Through the tender mercy of our God, the day-
spring from on high hath visited us. Glory be to
thee, who didst, as on this day, create the light,
and command.it to shine upon the face of the deep.
How glorious is that light, which affects our senses,
the rays of the sun, the flame of fire, the day
divided from the night, tlic evening and the morn-
ing. How much more glorious is that light, which

FOR PBBSONS IN PRIVATB* 355

shines in upon our minds, by the examples of
patriarchs, the revelations of prophets, the sweet
solace of holy psahns, the instruction of wise pro-
verbs, the prophet and experience of faithful his-
tories. Blessed be tby name for this light, which
no darkness ever overspreads; this sun, which
never goes down. God is the Lord, who hath
showed us such light ; bind ye the sacrifice with
cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar.

O thou, who on this day didst rise again, raise
up our souls unto newness of life ; granting us re-
pentance from dead works, and planting us in the
likeness of thy resurrection. And thou, O Father
and God of peace, who didst bring again from the^
dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make us perfect in every good work to
do thy will, working in us that which is well-
pleasing in thy sight, through Jesus Christ. O
thou, who didst also on this day of the week, send
down on thy apostles thy most holy Spirit ; take
not the same Spirit away from us, but grant to all
thy servants, who ask it of thee, that they may be
daily renewed, and more plentifully enriched with
all its precious gifts and graces.

O Lord, who by choosing this day for these
most important, most beneficial events, didst direct
thy apostles,' full of the Holy Ghost, to call it, and
to make it thy day, by translating to it the sacred
rest of the Sabbath ; make this present day of thine

3M OTHBR DBTOTIONAL BXIBOISBS

a refreshment after labor, an interval of recruit to
our feeble and wearied bodies; a merciful cessation
to servants and beasts, our fellow laborers ; a holy
return of thy solemn worship, by prayers and
praises, by hearing thy worfl, and administration
of thy sacraments in the public assemblies c»f the
saints, and the house where thy honor dwelleth ;
and a figure and a pledge of that better rest here-
after, which still remaineth to the people of God.
O grant me so to use these days of rest, and of
public worship in this life, that I fail not of a part
in thy eternal rest, and in the continual hymns of
angels and blessed spirits in the life to come.

AN ACT OF CONFESSION.

Merciful and compassionate, long-suffering and
patient. Lord God, I have sinned, wretched man
that I am, I have frequently and grievously sinned
against thee ; by trusting to vanity, by following
deceit, and being occupied in ungodly works, with
them that practise wickedness. I have forsaken
the fountain of living waters, and have hewed to
myself cisterns, broken cisterns, which can bold
no water. I come not now before thee to cover or
extenuate my guilt by frivolous excuses ; but with
full purpose to give thee glory, by an ingenuous
and free confession, that I have many ways offended
against thy holy laws. For thus, O Lord, and
thus have I done. {Here you may be particular.)

WOR PBRSONS nr PRITATB* 357

Oh ! how have I provoked thy Majesty ! and yet
thou hast not dealt with me after my sins, nor
rewarded me according to my iniquities.

And now, O Lord, what shall I say, or how
shall I open my mouth ? Behold me, without plea,
without excuse, and self-condemned ; for I, even I,
have destroyed myself. Unto thee, O Lord, be-
longeth righteousness, but unto me confusion of
face, because thou art just in all that is come upon
me: for thou hast done right, but I have done
wickedly. O let the multitude of thy mercies
triumph over the multitude of my sins. Remember,
I beseech thee, what thy servant is. I am thy
creature ; despise not thou the work of thine own
hands. I am thy image made after thy likeness ;
and hast thou made thine own image for nought?
For nought, if thou destroy that image ; and what
profit can there be in my destruction ? They indeed
that hate thee, will rejoice at it ; but gratify not
them with my destruction, neither let those that
are thine enemies, as well as mine, frustrate thy
grace and triumph over me. I am the price of thy
Son Christ's blood, called a Christian after his
name, a sheep of thy pasture ; a son of the covenant.
Look then upon the face of thine anointed, look
upon the blood of the covenant in him ; behold the
propitiation set forth for the sins of the whole world,
and be merciful to me a sinner, be merciful to me
the chief of sinners. For thy name's sake, O Lord,
pardon my iniquity, for it is great. For that name's

368 OTHBR DBVOnONAL BXSROnBS

sake, besides which none other under heaven is
given unto men, whereby we must be saved ; and
for the sake of that Spirit also, who heipeth our
infirmities, and maketh intercession for us, with
groanings which cannot be uttered ; for the tender
compassion of the Father, for the bleeding wounds
of the Son, for the earnest groans of the Holy
Ghost, hear, O Lord, and have mercy and save
me.

As for me, I acknowledge my faults, and my
sin is ever before me. I am truly ashamed and
sorry, yea, I reproach, I mortify, I take revenge
upon myself; full of concein, that my shame, and
sorrow, and holy indignation, are no greater. Lord,
I repent, help thou my impenitence : and be thou
pleased more and more to wound, and pierce, and
soften this hard heart : and then be gracious for all
that is past. Cleanse thou me also from my secret
faults, and save thy servant from presumptuous
wickedness. Magnify thy mercy towards this
wretched criminal, and speak those words of com-
fort, *• Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee;
yea, be of good cheer, for my grace is sufficient
for thee." Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation ;
that I may also say. Why art thou so heavy, O my
soul, and why art thou so disquieted within me?
Turn unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord bath
dealt bountifully with thee.

FOB PBaSONS IN FRIVATB. 369

PRAYER FOR QRACR

Lord, I will lift up my hands to thy command-
ments, which I have loved ; open thou mine eyes,
that I may see the woundrous things of thy law.
Incline my heart to thy testimonies; order my steps
according to thy word, and so shall no iniquity have
dominion over me: concerning thy testimonies, I
have known long since that thou hast founded them
for ever. Therefore will I walk in the path of thy
commandments, and will apply my heart to fulfil
thy statutes always, even unto the end. O Lord
God, be thou my God, let me have none besides
thee, let me love nothing in comparisoi\ of thee.

Grant me grace to worship thee in spirit and
in truth, to reverence thy holy name, to serve thee
devoutly and decently, with the gestures of my
body, with the praises of my tongue, in private
and in public : to render my superiors due honor,
by obeying their commands, by submitting to their
government: to love my family and dependents,
by taking due care of them, and making provision
for them : to have my conversation without covet-
ousness, and to be content with such things as I
have : to put away lying bitterness, clamor, and
evil-speaking, and all malice ; and . to speak the
truth in love : to overcome evil with good ; and to
cultivate purity in my thoughts as well as actions ;
not to be captivated with desires inordinate and
violent, of what sort soever they may be.

360 OTHBB DEVOTIONAL BXBBCISIES

Direct my life according to thy word; grant
me a holy soul, an undefiled body, pure thoughts,
orderly desires : and since if thou wilt, thou canst
make me whole, Lord, renew every part of me,
and say, I will, be thou all over clean.

0 God, even my own God, give me thy bless-
ing, and receive my supplications, for thy Son Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.

RULES OF CAUTION, OR HELPS TO OBEDIENCE.

1 resolve to break the Serpent's head by guard-
ing against his snares and temptations.

Constantly to remember my latter end, God's
presence and observation, and the great assize.

To live soberly, and watch always.

To cut off occasions from the enemv, who seeks
occasions.

Never to allow myself in idleness; nor to con-
verse with vain and disorderly persons; but to fre-
quent and love the company of the good.

To make a covenant with my eyes, and hands,
and tongue, and to bring my body into subjection.

To give myself much unto prayer, and to retire
often from the world, by the exercise of penitence,
abstinence, and mortification.

With these thorns. Lord, let me be hedged
about, that I wander not after vanity.

Hold thou me in with bit and bridle, when I
would break away from thee.

O thou, who hast invited me, compel me to
come in to my own happiness.

POB PBRSON8 IN PRIVATE. S61

llrager for Noon.

AN ACT OF FAITH.

I BBLiBVE in ihee, O God the Father. And if we
be children, even as a father pitieth his own chil-
dren, so have thou pity upon me, O Lord.

I believe in thee, the only Son, our Lord.
Therefore, since thou art our Lord, and we are thy
servants, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand
of their masters, even so shall my eyes wait upon
thee, O God, until thou have mercy upon me.

I believe that Christ is the very Lamb of God.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world, by thy mighty power and gracious inter-
cession, take away mine in particular.

I believe that Jesus Christ came into the world
to save sinners. O thou who art come to save sin-
ners, notwithstanding all my idolatries and rebel-
lions, save me, a grievous, a miserable sinner.

I believe that Christ came to seek that which
was lost. O thou, who camest to seek that whicl\

was lost, suffer him not to perish whom thou hast

found, and brought into thy fold, and ransomed

from destruction, but set my feet upon a rock, and

order my goings.

I believe that the Holy Ghost is the Lord and

Giver of life. O thou who hast breathed into me

the breath of life, grant me not to receive this living

362 OTHBR DBTOTIONAL SXBB0X8S8

floul in vain, but fill all the chambers of my heart
with love and devotion.

I believe that the Spirit sanctifieth the heart by
his grace. Grant that I may never resist, or quench,
or defeat, or be unprofitable, under his sanctifying
operations.

The pure and holy faith, once delivered to the
saints, Lord, I believe : help thou mine unbelief.
Strengthen in me that which is weak, and add to
me that which is wanting. This faith let me have
grace always to exert and improve, by loving thee,
O Father, in return for thy lender affection ; by
fearing thee, O Almighty Lord, from an awful sense
of thy power; committing my soul in well-doing
to thee, O most faithful Creator.

Let my faith in the Church entitle me to a part
in its calling and election, to sanctification in its
holiness, to membership in its universality ; to fel-
lowship with the saints, by sharing in their prayers
and sacraments, in their watchings and fastings, in
their holy sighs and tears, and if thy providence
shall call me to them, in their afflictions and suffer-
ings ; by all these, establish in me a firm assurance
of the forgiveness of sins, of the resurrection from
death, and of translation to immortal glory.

O thou, who art the hope of all the ends of the
earth, and of them that remain in the broad sea;
O thou, in whom our fathers trusted, and thou didst
deliver them, in whom they placed their hopes, and
were not confounded ; O thou, who wast also my

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 368

guard, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breast,
and to whose care I have been left ever since I
was born ; be thou still, and evermore, my hope,
and my portion, in the land of ihe living. Confirm
my mind more and more, by the goodness of thy
nature, by the endearments of thy titles, by thy
types and thy figures, by thy word and by thy
works; and having thus attained to a peaceful
resting and reliance upon thee here, let me not at
last be disappointed of my hope, through Jesus
Christ.

Having passed over the day, I render hearty
thanks to thee, my God, for thy good providence.
The evening now draws on, make thou it peaceful.
But, as each day hath its evening, so likewise hath
human life. Life's evening is old age ; make thou
this also comfortable. O cast me not away in the
time of age: neither forsake me when my strength
faileth me. Even to hoary hairs do thou carry ^me.
Thou hast made and hast sustained me hitherto,
continue still to support and to deliver me. Abide
with me, my Jesus, for the time is far spent; yea,
the shadows of the evening are stretched out, and
the day is declining upon me. Let thy strengthf

364 OTHBR DEVOTIONAL BXBRCI8S8.

now especiaUvi be made perfect in my weakness :
for, as the day, so life is near its end ; a life where-
in we scarcely live^ As the night posts on apace^
so doth that death, of which night is the image ; a
night, after which, in this world, we must expect
no morning.

In constant remembrance, and due sense where*
of, I earnestly entreat thee, blessed Lord, to order
such an end of this life for me, as may be truly
Christian; acceptable to thee, perfectly void of sin
and shame, and, so far as thou seest fit, free from
pain ; so gathering me to the remainder of thy
elect, in peace and innocence, at thy own time, and
after thy own way ; only let it be free from guilt
and from reproach. Let me always be mindful,
that the days of darkness are many : and let this
thought excite me to finish my work with diligence,
before that night overtake me, wherein no man can
work. Judgment moves also towards me ; grant
me, good Lord, a favorable issue at that most awful
tribunal.

1 will lift up my hands by night in thy presence,
and will praise the Lord. The Lord hath com-
manded his loving kindness in the day-time, and
in the night season also my song shall be of him,
and my prayer unto the Lord of my life. As long
as I live will I magnify thee in this manner, and
lift up my hands in thy name. O let my prayer be
set forth in thy sight as the incense, and the liflins
up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB. 366

Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, and the
God of our fathers, who hast ordained the succes-
sion of light and darkness ; who hast delivered me
from the perils of this day, and not cut off my life
like a weaver's web, nor wasted me with pining
sickness, from morning until night.

Wearied with the labors and cares of the past
day, I come to thee, my God, for quiet and repose,
and new supplies of strength to drooping nature.
Lighten mine eyes, that I sleep not in death. De-
fend me from the terrors of the night, and from the
pestilence that walketh in darkness. O thou keeper
of Israel, that neither slumberest norsleepest, pre-
serve me this night from all manner of evil; yea»
do even thou preserve my soul. Visit me also
with the favor which thou bearest unto thy chosen;
and teach me thy will in the visions of the night.

Suffer not any thought to surprise my unguarded
mind, which is capable either of displeasing thee,
or of defiling me. Let not foolish or sensual ima-
ginations abuse me, but may my sleep be perfectly
composed and pure, quiet from every worldly and
wicked desire. And do thou, Lord, drive away all
suggestions of the devil or the flesh. Thou be-
holdest the wakefulness of mine enemies, which
attack me unseen ; and my weakness to resist them
is not hid from thee ; thou knowest whereof my
nature is made, and rememberest that I am but
poor dust and ashes. Take me then under the
covering of thy wings, and let thy loving kindness

366 Ol^HBR DEVOTIONAL BXERCI8B8.

and thy truth always preserve me. And, afler
such refreshment as thou seest proper for me, raise
thou me up again to make my prayer in a time
when thou mayest be found ; that so I may begin
every day with thee, by setting forth most thank-
fully thy praises, and dedicating myself entirely to
thy serv'ice.

Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend myself,
my spirit, my soul, and my body ; for thou hast
created and redeemed them, O Lord, thou God of
truth. Together with me, take also under thy
fatherly care and protection, all that are near or
dear to me, all that thou givest me leave to call
mine; for all these are the gifts of thy bountiful
hand to thy poor unworthy servant. Spread thy
wing over them, hold them in thy hand, fill them
with thy own Spirit. Preserve my lying down
and my rising up, from this time forth, and even
for evermore. Make me to remember thee on my
bed, and think upon thee when lam waking: then
let me commune with my own heart, and search
out my spirit ; for thou art about my path, and
about my bed, and wheti I awake I am present
with thee.

I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest,
for it is thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in
safety.

FOUR SECRET EJACULATIONS,

(With an enlargement of each as time will permit) — ^recommended
for use at ittated haurt, at ths striking of tha clock; and abo during
any devout excitement

God be merciful to me a sinner ; through the right-
eousness, atonement, and intercession, of the Lord
Jesus Christ. (Blot out all my iniquities, and take
not vengeance of my sins. Spare me, good Lord,
whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious
blood, and be not angry with me for ever. Comfort
me with the assurance of thy pardoning mercy, and
make me partaker of all thy gracious promises.)

Take not from me thy Holy Spirit, but renew me,
day by day, and make thy grace sufficient for me»
in all my conflicts, duties, and temptations, for
Jesus Christ's sake. (May I ever experience the
power of thy grace to make me victorious over the
world, the flesh, and the devil. May I never ex-
haust thy forbearance, nor provoke thee to leave
me to the vanity and corruption of my own nature.
SuflTer me not to grieve thy Spirit by doing what
my heart condemns. But make me always mind-
ful of thy presence, and fearful of thy judgment.)

368 SECRET EJACULATIONS.

Grant, O God, I beseech thee, the same mercies
to my family, relations, and friends ; make them
faithful members of Christ's body, the Church ;
and fit them for death, judgment, and eternity.
(Cover them, O Lord God, with the shadow of thy
wings. Hold them in the hollow of thy hand, thai
DO evil may come near their bodies or souls. Root
out of their hearts all unholy propensities, and
establish in them the dominion of Jesus Christ.
May they grow in grace, and daily attain a greater
conformity to the spirit of the Gospel.)

Glory be to God the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, for our creation, preservation, and all
the blessings of this life : but, above all, for the
redemption of the world, for the means of grace,
and for the hope of glory, through Jesus Christ.
(O fill my heart with devout gratitude and love !
May this be a ruling principle Avithin me, consoling,
purifying, elevating me. May it make me com-
paratively indifferent to all worldly objects, and
may the love of Christ be my satisfying portion.)

ACTS OP DEVOTION

IN RELATION TO THE LORD« SUPPER.

A GENERAL CONFESSION.

0 Lord, the great and glorious God, against whom

1 have grievously offended, and who, for my sins
art justly displeased ; I know not where to begin
or end with the rehearsal of my transgressions,
which are more than I can remember, and greater
than I can express.

Thou art God alone, and there is none beside
thee, that should have sovereignty over me. But
I have idolized qualities in myself, and in this
present world, and have set them in the stead of
God; either disbelieving thy attributes, or forget-
ting thy presence, or disliking to retain thee in my
thoughts, and living without, thee in the world. I
have not improved in thy knowledge, answerably
to the means of instruction wherewith thou hast
blessed me. I have not had my whole dependence
upon thee, nor my chief hope and delight in thee ;
but have trusted to creature comforts and worldly
enjoyments, things short of thee, my God, to make

me happy. O how have I hardened my heart

16*

870 ACTS OF DBVOTIOir

against the fear of thy glorious Majesty, who can,
whenever thou pleasest, destroy and cast sinners
into hell; daring to sin against the clear light which
thou hast caused to shine upon me! And how
have I shut my heart against the love of my chief
good; who has still been laying renewed obliga-
tions upon me, notwithstanding my ingratitude,
every day !

I have conceived irreverent thoughts of thy in-
finite greatness, and goodness, and holiness; acting
as if the most high and glorious God would accept
outward professions, and a partial obedience, and
an inoperative faith : and instead of worshipping
thee in spirit and in truth, it has beon in a formal
heartless manner, with wandering thoughts, too
proud or too slothful to do thee homage with my
body ; either neglecting the offices of thy worship,
or profaning thy holy things, and drawing nigh to
thee with my mouth, when my heart has been far
from thee. O how irreverently have I mentioned
thy great name, and how little zeal have I showed
for thy honor and glory! I have disregarded thy
word and works, thy mercies and judgments, thy
calls and warnings.

Thy day I have not remembered and sanctified
as I ought, but have used as common, what thou
hast set apart for sacred ; or have borne the holy
season as a burden, and made bold with thy hal-
lowed time, to spend it upon my sloth and lusts,
and worldly trifles and carnal impertinences.

Vg BBLATION TO THE LORD^S SUPPBB. 871

■

O how have I failed and sinned in all my rela-
tions; as a superior, in pride and vanity; as an
inferor in stubborness and envy ; as a parent and
child, master and servant, friend and neighbor;
not discharging my duty in any capacity as I ought.
I have been careless of the souls of those dependent
upon me ; passionate and unmerciful, contentious
and revengeful ; provoking in my words, malicious
in my heart, tempting some into soul-ruining sins ;
or not doing what in me lies, to keep others from
destroying themselves; nor exerting my utmost
desires and endeavors to do good unto all.

0 Lord, I am unclean, unclean, de61ed with
vain imaginations rolling in my head, and inordinate
desires harboring in my heart, forsaking the blessed
bridegroom of my soul, to cleave to polluting vani*
ties, and to keep up that friendship with the world
which is enmity with God.

1 have been unfaithful in the unrighteous mam*
mon, and not honored thee with my substance, nor
done the gornl which thou hast made me capable
of; but by idleness and injurious intrenching on
the rights of others, or by consuming my portion on
my own pride and lusls, I have been a sacrilegious
usurper of thy good creatures.

O what vicious liberties have I taken to myself»
in speaking evil of my neighbors ; using them in
my words, as I would deem it a cruel injury to be
used ; slandering and reviling, dissembling or rash
judging; and perhaps wronging the truth to avenget
to excuse, to exalt myself.

872 ACTS OF DEVOTION

What a nursery of covetous and selfish desires,
has been this corrupt and wicked heart of mine.
Cherishing and delighting in evil motions ; repining
at others* welfare ; coveting all to myself, and
catering only for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts.

Such sins, O Lord, I have committed against
thy holy law : and I have also sinned against thy
gracious Gospel, not acquainting myself with the
way of salvation by Jesus Christ, but neglecting so
great salvation, and disregarding the only Saviour,
whom to know and win, I should have accounted
all things else but loss and dung. I have not been
awed by thy threatenings, nor taken with thy pro-
mises; have not listened to the calls of thy word,
nor yielded to the motions of thy Spirit ; neither
have I effectually believed the truths, nor loved
the days and means, nor improved the opportuni-
ties, which thou hast graciously set before me ; but
have shut my eyes against the things of my peace,
and made light of all my Saviour's doings and
e(uflerings for the salvation of my soul : sometimes
taking pleasure in the enemies x>f his cross; little
concerned for the success of his Gospel, nor laying
to heart my own or others' sins ; not seriously re-
penting, nor fervently praying ; and doing all these
things, without lively fear and concern.

Such is my heavy charge ; this is my heinous
guilt. O that I may not only confess it, but be
duly humbleid for it, and lay my mouth in the dust,
if so be that yet there may be hope ! And is there

IN RELATION TO THE LORD's 8X7PPBR* 378

hope for such a great and provoking sinner? Lord
of love, thou hast helped many niiserable souls in
a fallen, perishing state ; and many, I believe, are
now triumphing and praising th^e in glory, who
much and long rebelled against thee here below.
Such are the wonders of thy grace, to get thee
glory in seeking and .saving that which was lost.
And thy hand is not shortened, nor thy mercy
abated ; but still thou art able and ready to help
and save, as ever thou wast. O let all thy goodness
pass before me, and may it lead me to repent;
and help me to exercise such humiliation that thou
mayest exercise thy pardoning and saving mercy
upon my soul. Lay not my sins to my charge, but
blot them out through him, who was made sin for
us, that we might be made the righteousness of
God m him. Have mercy, for Jesus Christ's sake
have mercy, O Lord God.

Nor do I only beg for pardon of sin, but also
for power against it; that thy preventing grace
may break temptations in the first approach ; and
thy assisting grace enable me to resist in the
assault, and to overcome in the issue. And turn
my feet, O Lord, to thy testimonies ; and help me,
with an enlarged heart, to run the way of thy com-
mands. O give me grace to take and choose thee
for my portion; and' to know, and trust, and fear,
and love, and serve, and worship thee as my God.
Give me a true reverence for thy name, and zeal
for thy glory, serious devotion and constanpjt la

S74 ACTS OF iDBVOTION

all the duties of thy holy religion ; conscientious
care of the sanctification of thy day ; and due
veneration and affection for all thy holy things.

Help me also, my God, henceforth faithfully to
discharge all relative duties, to superiors, equals,
and inferiors-^that I may give no just offence to
any, but so order my conduct towards every one,
as to adorn my holy profession, and win others to
the love of it. O make me careful of my own,
and of others' souls; peaceable and patient, mer*
ciful and kind ; endeavoring to promote the good
of all ; loving my neighbor as myself. O make
me pure and chaste ; modest in speech and car-
riage ; temperate in the use of thy good creatures ;
given to prayer, and all the godly exercises that
tend to mortify the sinful lusts of the flesh. Make
me also faithful in the unrighteous mammon, con-
tented with my portion, industrious in my calling,
upright in my dealing, honoring thee with my sub-
stance. Help me, O righteous God, ever to love
and maintain the truth ; candidly to interpret the
sayings and doings of others ; not delighting in
their shame, but being as tender of their reputation,
as I would desire they should be of mine. And
help me, O my Lord, to resist the beginnings and
first risings of evil motions in my mind ; and to
keep my heart with all diligence, from giving any
harbor there to covetous and unclean desires. And
incline my heart, O good God, to study, and love,
•and keep thy holy laws.

m RELATION TO THB LORd's SUPPER. 376

O make me firmly resolved upon a life of holi-
ness, conformed lo the spirit and precepts of ihy
blessed will and word. And let me not only think
and purpose to live. godly in Christ Jesus, but may
I bring my purposes into actions, my actions into
habits, and my habits into a holy, lasting persever-
ance ; so enduring to the end, that I may be saved.
And through the ways of thy holy commands, O
Lord, lead me to the joys of thy heavenly kingdom $
that having my fruit unto holiness, I may find the
end everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord*
Amen.

A PRATER BEFORE THE SACRAMEKT OF THE LORD'S

SUPPER

O what am I, poor, unworthy, sinful creature,
that I should go to the table of the Lord, and claim
the portion, and the privileges of the saints ! Great'
God, my guilt, and shame, and fear, would draw
me back, representing it as presumptuous in me to
expect so distinguished an honor, after having so
often transgressed against thee. I should not dare
to think of making so near an approach to thy holy
Majesty, but that thou art pleased to invite and
command us to do so. Nor should I ever hope for
these inestimable blessings at thy hands, O Lord,
but because thou art gracious, even to such as
deserve nothing, but to be^ forsaken and abhorred
by thee. Instead of stretching forth a sceptre of
mercy, to invite me to thy table, ibott lAi|

876 A0T8 OP DBvonoH

with the rod of thy wrath, dash me in pieces as a
potter's vessel : and instead of entertaining me
with the bread of life, and the cup of blessing,
mightest give me the bread and water of affliction ;
or cast me down, where I should in vain cry out
for a drop to cool my tongue.

But since thou art pleased to call even sinners
that have undone themselves to come unto thee for
help : and hast appointed this sacrament as a means
of conveying to them pardon and grace, I dare not
neglect to come, knowing that I shall be undone,
keeping away from thee. I come not, Lord, be-
cause I am worthy, but because thou art rich in
mercy. I come as the poor starved wretch to the
fire ; I come as the hungry to be fed ; and as the
sick and maimed, to be recovered and healed :
that I may wash in the blood of thy Son, and be
cleansed ; that I may receive of thy inGnite fulness,
all that is wanting jn my wretched self: that I may
so touch my Saviour, as to receive virtue from him,
for the healings of my spiritual maladies, and to
enable me for thy faithful service.

And O that I may approach thy altar with all
humility, and reverence, and godly fear ; and with
the most earnest longings after Christ Jesus, and
the firmest resolutions to live unto him, that was
pleased to die for me. Before I compass thy altar,
wilt thou purify my soul by deep repentance, and
establish in me a lively faith in the blood of our
great Redeemer. O let me receive a broken and

IN RELATION TO THE LOBB's SUPPBR* 377

bleeding Saviour, with a broken and contrite heart.
And make me so willing and obedient, that I may
eat the good of the ordinance ; so conformable to
thee, that I may find communion with thee ; and
may have not only representation, but a participa-
tion of Christ crucified. O turn in, my Lord, and
be not as a stranger to the soul that is the purchase
of thy own blood. Enrich thy ordinance with thy
presence, that I may find him whom my soul de-
"sires to love, and whose love is better than wine.
May Christ appear and be known to my soul, in
this breaking of bread ; may I receive such life
from thee, as shall enable me to live unto thee ;
and make me know that thou abidest in me, by
the Spirit which thou hast given me.

Blessed Saviour, weigh not mine, but thy own
merits ; for I have not deserved thee, but thou bast
redeemed me. I can never be worthy of thee; but
give me, I beseech thee, suitable principles, appre-
hensions, affections, and resolutions; that I may
participate of thy sacred body crucified, and thy
precious blood shed for us, with such discerning
and reverence, such love and gratitude, as thou
requirest.

O thou that hast prepared a table in this wil-
derness, with heavenly provisions for our souls,
prepare my soul, O Lord, for this food ; and give
me spiritual desire, as well as spiritual sustenance ;
that as the hart pants after the water brooks, my
soul may pant after thee, my God : and do thou fill

978 A0T8 or DBTOnON

ray hungry 80ul with the good things of thy grace
that Christ may dwell in my heart by faith, and'
abide with my spirit, as long as I abide in the
flesh.

O may thy ordinance heal my infirmities, and
be the saviour of life to my soul. Make it also a
sealing ordinance, to clear up to me the pardon of
my sins, and the assurance of thy love. And. as
thou sealest the covenant of grace, O enable me
to seal the covenant of obedience ; and in Buq^i a
devout and acceptable manner to come unto thy
table, that I may return from it with my conscience
quieted, my corruptions subdued, my graces in-
creased, and my soul encouraged, with an enlarged
heart, to run the way of thy commands.

Hear me, O Lord my God, and forgive me ;
bless and direct, quicken and assist me in the work
now lying upon me, and deal graciously with me,
that I may discharge all my offices heartily as to
the Lord, and with good acceptance in the sight
of God, through the beloved of my soul, the only
Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR GRACE TO RESIGN OURSELVES TO GOD*

My great and glorious Maker, my continual
preserver and benefactor, my gracious Redeemer,
thine I am by all the ties of duty and love, and to
thee I should resign and devote myself by my own
free choice and voluntary act, for thou hast formed

m BBLATXON TO THX LORD's SUPPBB. 879

me for myself, and dearly ransomed me, after I
had destroyed myself.

But with confusion and remorse, O Lord, I
acknowledge that I have often sacrilegiously alien-
ated myself from thee* I have foolishly and wick-
edly forsaken thee, to serve other lords; to be
under the power and servitude of my own vain
humors and lusts, O my God, forgive and mor-
tify this presumptuous and destructive selfishness.
Suffer me no longer to withhold myself from thy
covenant, and expose myself to ruin, by attempting
either to live in the world without thee, or, divided
between God and mammon, to hope that I may be
the friend of both. Make me consistently and
cheerfully to surrender myself to the blessed Au-
thor of my being ; that I may answer the end for
which I was made, and attain the happiness where-
of I am capable. For this 1 have no sufficiency in
myself, but derive every good desire, and all my
spiritual powers and privileges, from the union
with my God. Knowing that all that are far from
thee shall perish, as branches cut off from the
living root that feeds them, let me never separate
myself from my God. Be not thou far from me,
for then will ruin be at hand ; but do thou maintain
thy right in me, for thine is the kingdom> and the
power, and the glory.

O my Lord, break all the ties that would detain
me from thee, and keep me in ihy fear and love to
my life's end. Show me the vanity of the idols

380 ACTS em dbtotiioii

which have seduced my heart from thee ; and upon
my mind and conscience, upon my will and affec-
tions write — ^holiness to the Lord. Reign, Lord
Jesus, supremely in me. Blay I judge as thou
judgest, let thy will be mine in all things, and let
me love and hate, and approve, and condemn as
thou dost Let my soul and body, and all the
faculties and powers of both, be sanctified by thy.
Spirit, guarded by thy providence, and employed
to thy glory. Let all that I am, and all that I
have, be thine. And may I never grieve to re-
nounce all for thee, my satisfying, my everlasting
portion. Be thou all in all to me. And may it
ever be my great aim and endeavor to please thee,
to promote thy glory, to imbibe thy spirit, to be
conformed to thy likeness, that I may dwell with
thee in the perfection of my glorified nature, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

DEVOUT EJACULATIONS AND ELEVATIONS OP THE
SOUL, BEFORE REOEIYINO AT THE LORD'S TABLE.

Blessed be God, that again is pleased to call
me to the reconciliation-feast ; to seal my pardon
afresh in the precious blood of his dear Son. I
have no might for this great work; but I will go in
thy strength, O Lord my God. Give me, I beseech
thee, the dispositions which thou requirest; and
produce in me the fruits which thou callest for.
O let me find thy hand upon me, thy help with

IN RELATION TO TBB LORD's 8UPPBB. 381

me» and thy grace sufficient for me. May I see
thy power and thy glory, in the sanctuary ; may I
share in the heavenly entertainment of thy children,
and eat and drink in thy presence, that bread of
life, and that cup of blessing, which may be life to
my soul, and make me glad with the joy of thy
salvation.

What shall I do at thy house, and thy table,
Lord, if thou dost not receive and acknowledge
me? O that thou wouldst, in wonderful conde-
scension, bow the heavens and come down ; and
make me experience thy presence with me ; and
that power of thy Spirit, and that loving-kindness
which is better than life.

I desire to shelter under the shadow of my Re-
deemer ; and to be found in Christ Jesus, endued
with that righteousness of his which is sufficient to
atone for all my guilt, and to supply all my wants ;
yea, to make me complete and meet for the love of
God, and for the felicity of his chosen. O God of
all grace, grant me, I beseech thee, a saving interest
in that great redemption, which he brings to the
poor sinful lost world ; that my soul may magnify
4he Lord, and my spirit may rejoice in God my
Saviour.

O make me willing in the day of thy power i
and may I this day experience, Lord, the |Mn
workings of thy blessed Spirit ; to open and'
my heart, and make me fit, and joyfal» to
him who stands at the door and knocki)

389 ACTS OF DSYOnON

receive Christ Jesus the Lord, into my poor, trem-
bling, guilty soul. ^

How unworthy am I, Lord, that thou shouldst
come under my roof; unworthy to eat the crumbs
that fall under thy table : but thy infinite merits
can cover all ray unworthiness. I am all frailty,
and vanity, and passion ; O blot out my whole life,
and remember only thine own merits and thy own
mercies. Frail and polluted as I am, speak thou
the word, and I shall be clean and whole ; and my
soul shall live and for ever bless thy name. Help
my infirmities ; quicken my dulness ; prepare me
for thee ; draw me mightily unto thee ; bring me
into the enjoyment of thee, now in part, as far as I
can attain ; and hereafter in fulness, as much as
my heart shall desire, and that for ever and ever.

Assist me, O Lord, with thy Holy Spirit, in the
great duty and service I am about to perform ;
grant that nothing during all the time of this holy
action, may make me unmindful of that reverence
and respect, which I owe unto thy divine Majesty,
or that affection which becomes the celebration of
these holy mysteries. Fill my heart with such an
awe of thy presence, as may fix my wandering
thoughts, compose my disorderly affections, and
stir up my faint and cold desires, that I may feel
the power, and taste the sweetness of this divine
banquet.

Grant that I may have such a sense of my
Saviour's sufferings, as may fill my soul with love

IN RELATION TO THB LORD's SUPPBR. 383

and gratitude towards him for those inestimable
benefits he has purchased for me ; thai I may have
such a sight of my sins, which occasioned all his
sorrows, as heartily to bewail and detest them ;
such a faith in that perfect oblation and satisfaction,
made upon the cross for the sins of the world, and
may so importunately plead the merit of it, in this
commemoration of that sacrifice, as to render thee
gracious and propitious to me, a miserable sinner;
such a conviction of my own weakness and in-
sufficiency, as may procure thy gracious aid and
assistance; such longing desires of being made
conformable to thy holy will and pleasure, as may
transform me into thy divine image, and establish
me thy faithful servant all the remaining days of
my life, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

THANKSGIVINO AND PRAYER AFTER THE SACRAMENT

OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

I desire with all my soul to adore and magnify
thy name, O Lord God, for all the expressions of
thy bounty, particularly for the renewed pledges
of thy love in Christ Jesus, which I have received
this day ; that thou hast admitted me, not only into
thy house, but to thy table ; and used me as thy
friend and the child of thy family. Lord, what is
man, that thou art so mindful of him, and the son
of man, that thou visitest him ! And what am I,
one of the most unprofitable and thankless of men,

384 ACTS OF DBVOnON

that the great Lord should deal 'so graciously with
me ! O make me to know the things that are freely
given me of God; give me a heart deeply sensible
of thy mercy, and steadfastly purposing to live to
thy glory ; that I may show my thankfulness for
thy benefits, by obedience to thy precepts. Keep
me mindful of the vows of God upon me ; and
help me to live, as having my holy Redeemer now
dwelling in me. And as I have received Christ
Jesus the Lord, so enable me to walk in him ; to
walk in love, as Christ loved us ; and to go on in
the strength of what I have received from thee, to
live unto thee ; following after holiness, as being
not only brought nigh to, but intimately conjoined
with the holy one of God.

Let the crucified body and effused blood of God
my Saviour, nourish and sustain my immortal soul
unto life eternal. May it be health and recovery
under all my weaknesses and infirmities; safety
and defence against all the attacks of my spiritual
enemies; vigor and strength to all my holy pur-
poses and resolutions; comfort and support under
all the afldictions and calamities of life ; assistance
and direction under all difficulties and doubts ;
courage and constancy under all dangers and per-
secutions, especially in times of sickness, and at
the hour of death ; finally, make it to me the pledge
of pardon and peace in this life, mercy and favor
at the day of judgment, and a never-fading crown
of glory in thy heavenly kingdom.

IN RBLATION TO THE LOUD's SUPPBR. dS5

And O that the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, that
sacrifice of himself, which he offered upon the cross,
and which I have been this day commemorating at
thy table, may alone for all the failings and mis-
carriages in my preparations and performances.
And to him, with the Eternal Father and Holy
Spirit, be all thanks, and praise, and honor, and
glory, ascribed by me, and by thy whole Church,
now and for evermore. Amen.

SOME DEVOUT EJACULATIONS AND ELEVATIONS OF
THE SOUL, AFTER RECEIVING AT THE LORD'S TABLR

Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto
him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb
that was slain, for ever and ever.

I give thee most humble and hearty thanks, O
Lord, that thou hast admitted me to renew my
baptismal covenant with thee, in this holy sacra-^
ment.

Glorv be to thee, O Lord God, that in our ex-
treme need and peril, thou hast made such gracious
provision for our souls, and sent thy Son to die for
our sins, and to save us who had destroyed our-
selves. I bless thee, my God, for the mercies of a
Saviour, without which all mercies else would be
unavailable. I bless thee, that thou hast not with-
held thy Son, thy only Son, from us, but given him
to be the propitiation for our sins, and to be the

life and food of our souls. I sat down andei

386 ACTS OF DEVOTION

shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste, and
his banner over me was love. It was love that
gave me the Saviour whom I have been receiving,
and the opportunity now to come, and rest, and
feast my soul upon him. Return to thy rest, O my
soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Thy life is given thee at his hands, who forgiveth
all thy sins, and healeth all thy infirmities ; who
not only redeems thee from destruction, but crowns
thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.

O Lord Jesus, I give thee my body, my soul,
my substance, my friends, my liberty, and my
life; dispose of me, and of all that is mine, as it
seemeih best to thee, and to the glory of thy holy
name. Lord, I am not now mine, but thine ; there-
fore claim me as thy right; keep me as thy charge,
and love me as thy child : fight for me when 1
am assaulted; heal me when I am wounded ; and
revive me when I am fainting. Grant me, O gra-
cious Lord, a pure intention of heart, and a stead-
fast resolution to despise all vanity ; to fight the
battle of the Lord manfully, against the world, the
flesh, and the devil ; to spend my time religiously
and usefully; to walk always as in thy presence;
to preserve my body and soul in holiness, fit for
the habitation of the Spirit of God.

Eternal thanks and praise be unto thee, O blessed
God my Saviour, for all thy glorious achievements,
in laying the sure foundation of our hope and ever-
lasting consolation. Thou hast loved and redeemed

IN RELATION TO THE LORD's SUPPER. 387

•

US, and washed us from our sins in thy own blood.
And, O how infinitely indebted am I to thy mercy,
that thou callest me to this heavenly entertainment,
which cost thee so dear, to purchase and provide
for thy guilty creatures ! O make me more sensible
of thy love, and more thankful for all its blessed
effects. Give me strength against all the temptations
that would pluck me from thee, and engage me in
rebellion against thee ; and such refreshments as
may draw off" my heart from the pleasures of sin,
and make it my meat and drink to do the \vill of
my heavenly Father. Who shall pluck me out of
his hands? Who shall separate me from his love?
So disclose thy glorious, lovely attributes, as to
lake captive my affections. Thine I am, O Lord,
and thine may I be, while I have, my being. Yes,
Lord of all power and love, I beseech thee, keep
thy servant from falling, and preserve me in every
time and case of danger. O suffer me not to work
my own ruin; but pity my frailty, and relieve my
infirmity ; and in thy hands let me be safe and never
perish, but attain to everlasting life, through Jesus
Christ my great Redeemer and only Saviour. Amm.

BEFORE RECEIVING THE BREAD.

O Lord Jesus, I receive this memorial of thy
crucified body in remembrance of the sacrifice of
the cross, trusting only in thy infinite righteousness,
and atoning death. May this bread nourish my
soul to eternal life.

388 ACTS OF DBVOTIOir.

AFTER RECEIVING THE BREAD.

I bless thy name, O my Saviour, for giving thy
precious body to be the food ot my soul. By thy
almighty power, may it strengthen me for thy ser-
vice ; that faithful to my vows, I may henceforth
always walk as with thy presence dwelling in me.

BEFORE RECEIVING THE CUP.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all
sin. I will receive the cup of salvation, and call
upon the name of the Lord. May it be to me a
fountain of pardon, purity, and peace, springing up
to eternal life.

AFTER RECEIVING THE CUP.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to thee I have
dedicated myself. Thine I am by every "holy tie.
O maintain thy properly in thy servant. Set up
thy throne of grace in my heart ; and let nothing
separate me from the love of God, in Christ Jesus.

PRAYERS

FOR PERSOISrS IN PRIVATE, UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

A PRAYER FOR POWER TO LIVE BY FAITH UPON
CHRIST, AND THE DIVINE PROMISES.

O Lord God, infinitely holy and just, to whom
none can come but through a Mediator ; and who
alone can draw us that we may believe in him, to
thee I come begging that faith which is thy gift.
Lord, help my unbelief: Lord, increase ray failh.
O bless and enrich my soul with such a holy, lively,
and unfeigned principle, as may enlighten my mind,
and purify my heart, and govern my whole life ;
such a failh as may enable me to receive Jesus
Christ for my Saviour, and heartily give up myself
to him for my Lord.

For is it not thy gracious promise. Lord, to blot
out thy people's transgressions, for thine own sake,
and to heal their backslidings, and not let sin have
dominion over them ; j'ea, to have mercy even upon
the wicked and the unrighteous man, forsaking his
ways and his thoughts, and abundantly to pardon?
Hast thou not promised, Lord, to give to thy ser-
vants a new heart, and a new spirit ; to teach them,

390 TRATBRS FOR PERSONS MmEIYATBy

and quicken them, and cause them to walk in thy
statutes alway ; to accomplish the good work in
them which thou hast begun ; and though they fall,
to uphold them with thy hand ; to put thy fear in
their hearts, that they shall not depart from thee,
and to give unto then; eternal life? O exceeding
great and precious promises to the humble and
penitent soul ! Such are thy words, O my Lord,
and they are ratified in heaven; and not one jot or
tittle of thy word shall pass >iway, till all be ful-
filled, for faithful is he that promised. O let me
believe that I, even I, shall see it.

Great and holy Lord, in all -that I am, and in
all that I do, I cannot but see my extreme need of
a Saviour, and that I am undone without the free
grace of God in Jesus Christ. And, therefore, I
desire to go even out of myself, and to be found in
him ; not having my own righteousness, but that
which is through the faith of him ; and to sit down
under the shadow of that blessed tree of life, which
yields fruits most precious to all believing souls.
In my greatest darkness aqd distress, O let me
trust in the name of the Lord, and stay myself
upon my God; committing my ways unto thee,
who carest for me : trusting in thy almighty power
to help and save ; in thy merciful inclinations to
pity and relieve ; and in the sure promises which
thy love hath made, and which thy faithfulness
will certainly make good, unto all that wait and
call upon thee.

UPON

8BVBRAX OCCASIONS. 891

The blessed Jesus is my life and strength, my
wisdom and riches, my health and joy, my glory
and my all : there ia no healing for my soul but in
his blood ; no peace for my conscience but in his
reconciling me to God ; no safety from the just
judgments of heaven, but in that perfect sacrifice
and atonement which meets even the strictest de-
mands of Jehovah. O none but Christ, none but
Christ! without this all-sufficient Redeemer, I am
a lost creature. I beseech thee, therefore, O Lord,
my God, whatever else I want, leave me not des-
titute of him ; but give me Christ or I die eternally.
Though I confess myself unworthy of him, because
I have so wickedly neglected his great salvation,
and abused all his grace, yet I dare not add this
to all my other offences, to limit the eflScacy of his
death, and to despair of that mercy, which in him
thou art pleased to profler, even to the most guilty,
repenting and turning unto thee. Seeing thou art
reconciling the world to thyself in Christ Jesus,
who came to seek and to save even the lost, and
who invites to him the laboring and heavy laden,
3'ea, bids whoever is athirst to come, and take the
water of life freely, and promises that such as come
to him he will in no wise cast out ; to him, there-
fore, I come, and in him will I trust ; and of thee,
gracious Father, I beg for help to do it as I ought.

O be thou pleased to shine into my heart with
thy heavenly light, revealing thy Son in me; and
showing me his all-sufficiency for me, and my own

392 PRAYERS FOR PERSOm'TH^^ITATS,

happy share and interest in him. Dear Lord, give
me thy Spirit to draw me to him, and enable me
to take hold of him, to rely upon him, and to
beHeve in him to the saving of my soul. And
while I am humbly endeavoring to do his will may
I never distrust his power, nor his love, who loved
me, and washed me from my sins in his own blood.
And the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace
in believing, that this may be my soul's rest, to lie
at the feet of Jesus, to cast my burden upon him,
and to lean upon his promises. Though there is
nothing in me but pollution and disorder, O let me
not keep off from my Saviour, but come to him at
his call, and so believe in his name, as to be made
clean and w^hole. None can more need his help,
Lord, than I do : let it not pass by me ; but may
the Saviour of the world, be the Saviour of my
soul ; and let Christ abide with my spirit, and be
ever at hand to revive me with some token of his
love. And let the hope thus afforded me, bear me
up under all troubles, fortify me against all temp-
tations, and quicken and enable me for the perform-
ance of all my duties. O that Christ may dwell
in my heart by faith ; and that the life which I now
live, may be by the faith of the Son of God, who
loved me and gave himself for me ; in whom,
though now I see him not, yet believing, let me
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Let me lay up thy words of promise, O my Father,
as the richest treasure, and confide in them as the

trpoH Ibtxbal occasions. 393

surest tenure ; counting nothing so firm as what
God bath said ; and despising all the wealth, and
honors, and pleasures of the world, in conr^parison
of thyself, and thy Son, and thy Spirit, thy love,
and thy grace, and the glory, which thou hast pre-
pared everlastingly for those that love ihee ; all
which I earnestly beg at thy bountiful hands, for
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR REPENTANCE.

O MOST holy Lord God, against whom I have
greatly sinned, and who for my sins art justly dis-
pleased ; who hast also taught us that even the
Saviour of sinners will not save any without re-
pentance ; though when we return unto thee, and
humble ourselves before thee, thou wilt show us
thy compassion, and grant us thy salvation. Gra-
cious Lord, great is ihy mercy to vouchsafe unto
us this remedy: but, O how averse and insufficient
am I to employ it! Thou Searcher of hearts
knowest me to be so hardened through the deceit-
fulness of sin, that godly sorrow can never proceed
out of this obdurate heart of mine, if thou do not
soften it with thy holy fear, and overcome it with
thy mighty love. O thou that didst cause water
to gush out of the rock, wilt thou subdue and melt
my stony heart into such contrition as works re-
pentance unto salvation : that I may look upon him

whom my sins have pierced, and mourn ; and be

17'

394 FBATBBS FOR PBR801I8 XH PjaVATB,

in bitterness for all the foul oflfences that I have
committed against the God of all my mercies. O
help me so to repent,^that my sins may be blotted
out, when the times of refreshing shall come from
the presence of the Lord. Turn thou me, O Lord
God of my salvation, and change the principles
and propensities of my heart and mind, that I may
amend my life, and bring forth fruits meet for
repentance; not only confessing and bewailing sins
committed, but also hating and forsaking sins con-
fessed and bewailed ; loathing as much as ever I^
have loved the things that displease thee, and
dishonor thy holy name. Touch my heart with
such a powerful sense of thy loving kindness, thy
wonderful patience and forbearance, as may make
me deeply and ingenuously sorrowful, for having
ever committed offences so great against thee, O
God, so infinitely good. Make me also circumspect
and careful to keep myself henceforth in thy fear
and love, that I may never more be estranged from
thee. O my God, let thy goodness lead me to
repentance, and help me to break off from my sins,
anxl turn and cleave unto thee, that thou mayest
have mercy upon me, and abundantly pardon all
my unworthiness, through the infinite riches of thy
grace and goodness, in my only Saviour Jesus
Christ. Amen.

UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONa. 396

A PRATER FOR THE WVE OF GOD.

O THOU infinite goodness, to love whose glorious
excellences and unspeakable perCeclions is ihe
highest privilege and blisa which angels know;
and who still hast not only given us capacities for
it, but the greatest obligations to engage our hearts
to it ; how poor and defective has been my love lo
Ihee my God ! Yea, in what coldness, strangeness,
and enmity to thee, Lord, have I hved ! O my
God, I have done foohphly and wickedly in forsak-
ing the fountain of living waters, lo hew to myself
the broken cisterns that can hold no water; shutting
my heart against the love of my chief good, who
has laid fresh obligations tipnn me with thy re-
newed favors every day ; and preferring any pomps
and vanities of this present time, and the satisfac-
tion of my own foolish and hurtful lusts, above
ihee, and thy love, which is belter than life.

O good God, be thou pleased to pardon all tlie
defects of my love lo ihee, and all the excesses of
my love to earthly things; and lurn my afleciions
from all vain olijecis to thy Messed self. Show
thyself to me as a pardoning God full of compassion,
ready to forgive, and willing to save me. Discloso
all thy glorious atlribules. Take captive my affec-
tions. Touch my heart with such a powerful sense
of thy perfections, and thy loving kindness, thai I
.may experience stronger desires and inclinaliona
after Ihee, and greater delight in spiritual com-

396 PRATERS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE,

munion with thee ; and may love all other things,
in comparison of my best and most merciful Lord,
as if I hated them, and loved them not.

The Lord direct my heart into the love of God,
and shed abroad and increase this grace through
all my powers, that I may love the Lord my God
with all my heart, and soul, and mind, and might.
O disgrace to me all such alluring things of this
world as would draw away my devotion from
thyself; and so discover thyself to mc, by thy
Spirit, that this heart of mine which has been so
cold, and dull, and dead to thy love, may feel its
mighty warmth and power ; and from complaining
of the want, may come to rejoice in the abundance
of it. O my life, my hope, and joy, that hast so
much and eternally obliged me, give me the grace
and power to surrender myself to thee. Let me
be still longing to appear in thy presence, and
delighting in the duties that bring my heart into
communion with thee. Increase my delight in thy
word, and in all the things of thy Spirit and grace ;
and let me take more satisfaction and pleasure in
the light of thy countenance, than in the increase
of corn and wine, and all the most desired enjoy-
ments of this life. O let me not rest in the gifts,
forgetting the bountiful Giver of every good thing;
but draw and join my heart, dear Lord, still nearer
to thyself with the chords of love. And togdtii^r
with all my privileges and pleasures in tl
O let me enjoy still more of thee, in wlio

UPON ShVEUAL OCCASIONS* 397

all my true life, and peace, and happiness, here
and for ever. Engage to thyself, O my Lord, the
chief and choicest affections of my heart, and
make it for ever the willing captive of thy love.
And help me still to verify my love of thee, by
haling of evil, and keeping thy commandments,
and delighting to do ihy will, O my God. Let the
desire of my soul, the care of my heart, and the
endeavor of my life, be to observe and please thee.
And by thy mighty power, and through the eflScacy
of the eternal covenant, secure my heart, Lord, to
thee, that I may not turn away from ihee; but
may be rooted and grounded in thy love ; and
through thy good help and grace, may keep my-
self in the love of God, looking for the mercy of
our Lord Jesus Christ, to eternal life. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE FEAR OF GOD.

0 Lord, the great and dreadful God, in whose
hands my time is, the life of my soul, and all that
concerns me both now and for ever ; thou, even
thou, art to be feared ; and who may stand in thy
sight when thou art angry ! Terrible art thou in
thy doings to the children of men ! When thy
hand hath found out thine enemies, they shall lie
down in sorrow. O make me so to stand in awe
of thee, that I may not dare to provoke thee. May

1 never be so much in fear of man that shall die,
as of the almighty ever-living God ; nor so dread

d9d PRATfiRS FOR MRSOIlS tN PRIVATB,

any loss or suffering, that can but affect' my present
enjoyments, as I fear the sin and wickedness that
would deprive me of thy everlasting favor. Fill
my soul with such veneration of thy glorious Ma-
jesty, that I may ^not venture wilfully to violate
thy holy laws, but tremble to dishonor thy name, or
to rebel against thy word, or to rest short of what
thou requirest at niy hand. And grant that thy
fear may not only keep under some of my sins,
but regulate my whole life, and sway my very
heart; that I may do thy will universally and
cheerfully* and go on to perfect holiness in the fear
of God. May I fear thy name, thy great and holy
name, and not blaspheme it ; fear thy wrath, and
not provoke it; fear thy word, and not neglect nor
disobey it. Teach me to fear thy goodness, anti
not abuse it; to fear thy omniscience, and not
make bold with secret sins, as if thou sawest them
not, or wouldst only punish those which the world
beholds. O may I fear thy omnipotence, and not
strive with my Maker, tempting and defying him
in any case ; and fear thy justice, and not expose
myself to its irreversible decrees, and tremendous
penalties. And give me, O my God, the right
mixture of fear and faith, to keep me in an own
temper, between presuming and despairing; that
no crosses or evils may ever cause my faith to fail,
or suffer me to sink into such despondency and
consternation, as to unfit me for my duty ; and that
no successes, and fair prospects of worldly good,

tTl^ON SfiVEftAL OOCAStONS. 399

may harden me into a presumptuous defiance of
thee, nor lift me up into wantonness and stubborn-
ness against thee ; but that I may entertain always
a reverential regard of thy awful majesty, and a
dutiful respect to all thy holy and just commands,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR INCREASE OF GRACE.

0 God of all grace, who both quickenest the dead»
and after thou hast given life, givest the increase,
thy people go from strength to strength, growing
in grace, till they appear before thee in glory ; but

1 have been barren and unfruitful among the trees
of righteousness. How much am I behind many
of thy servants who have not had the helps and
advantages which I so long have enjoyed ; and
how little is it to be seen in tuy life what great
mercy and grace have been extended to me !
Forgive me, O my Father, and repair thy holy
image in me who have so much dishonored thee,
and injured myself. O help me, still more and
more, to put off the old man, which is corrupt,
according to the deceitful lusts, and to put on the
new man, which, after God, is created in righte-
ousness and true holiness. Whatever else I want.
Lord, deny me not thy grace, but increase it in me
continually ; and let all the graces of thy Spirit, that
accompany salvation, so flourish in my soul, that the
peace of God which passeth all understanding, may
keep my heart and mind, through Jesus Christ.

400 FBATBR8 FOB FBBSON8 IN PRITATB,

Blessed Saviour, who earnest into the world
that we might have life, and have it more abund*
antly, of ihy fulness let me receive grace sufficient
for me, to make me strong in the Lord, and ready
to every good work. My life, my strength, and
my Redeemer, leave me not to be stationary, or
to decline in my spiritual estate ; leave me not
tinder the curse of barrenness, but, as thou dost
begin the good work in us, establish, O God, that
which thou hast wrought for me, and strengthen
the things which remain that are ready to die, and
cherish all the seeds of grace sown in my heart,
that my soul may prosper and increase with the
increase of God, abounding in all those fruits of
righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to thy
glory and praise. O my Lord, carry on with power
the work of faith and sanctificaiion in my soul ;
that my sinful corruption, ev<ry day, like the house
of Saul, may grow weaker and weaker ; and thy
grace in me, every day, like the house of David,
may grow stronger and stronger ; till from groaning
under sin, the body of this death, I shall triumph
over all that opposes and hinders the progress of
my spiritual life. O help me to put forth myself
with vigor and activity in thy holy ways, and to
apply myself faithfully to the performance of thy
blessed pleasure, that it may be my desire and
joy to approve my heart unto my God, and to know
that my ways are pleasing in thy sight, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

UPON SQVBKAL OGCASIQNS. 401

A PRAYER FOR PURITY

O God of infinite purity, who hast called us not to
uncleanness, but to holiness, and hast promised to
none but the pure in heart to see and enjoy thy
heavenly kingdom; how shall I, a polluted wretch,
appear before thy glorious Majesty, in whose sight
even heaven itself is not clean ! O most gracious
Lord, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and
cleanse me from all my sin, in that fountain opened
for a guilty and perishing race — the precious blood
of the Lamb of God, slain to take away the sins of
the world. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make
me whole. O create a clean heart in me, and say
to my soul, as thou didst to the leper, I will, be
thou clean ; and I shall be fitted now for thy holy
service, and hereafter for thy heavenly glory and
felicity. O let me not live after the flesh, lest I
eternally die : but, by thy Spirit, so mortify the
deeds and propensities of the body, that I may for
ever live. Help me my God, to avoid every occa-
sion of falling and backsliding, and to abstain from
all appearance of evil. Help me against the power
of prevailing iniquities and besetting temptations,
and purge away all my sins for. the glory of thy
name. May the time past of my life suffice to
ha\c served my own lusts and pleasures, and let
not sin any longer reign in my mortal body, that I
should obey it in the lusts thereof; but enable me,
O Lord, to cut off even the right hand, and to pluck

403 PRATBRS FOB PBRSONS Df PRnTATB,

out the right eye ; to keep under my body, and t(
bring it into subjection, that I may hereafter over
come the sins that have so often overcome me. C
mortify and destroy in me every rebellious motion
and every vicious inclination, that exalts itself
against the gospel and government of Jesus Christ
Let me not yield myself the miserable slave ol
soul-ruining lusts; but demean myself as the wise
faithful follower of my crucified Lord and Master
and as thou who hast called me art holy, so makt
me holy in all my affections and conversation ; s(
studious of Christian piety and purity that I ma^
see and enjoy the Lord. Gird me with might, t^
that spiritual conflict wherein I am engaged, no
only against flesh and blood, but spiritual foes, icn
strong for me to deal with; that through Chris
sltengthening me, I may go on, conquering and t(
conquer, all that withstands thy glory and m]
salvation, till Satan be bruised under my feet;
that nothing may ever be able to separate me fron
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord
Amen.

A PRAYER FOR ONE WHO IS PREPARING FOR CONFIR

MATtON.

Most merciful God, by whose gracious providence,
I was born of Christian parents, and eariy dedicatee
to thee in holy baptism, wherein I was made u
member of the Catholic Church, whercor Jcsu^
Christ is the head ; I most heartily thauk thee Ibi

UPON SBVBBAL 0C0A8I0N8. 408

calling me to this state of salvation, and for be-
stowing upon me such blessed privileges.

And now, O Lord, that I am preparing myself
to receive a further degree of thy grace and favor,
I humbly beseech thee to enlighten my mind with
the true knowledge and understanding of that
solemn vow which I made at my baptism, and
which I am now about to ratify and confirm pub-
licly in thy presence.

Give me, O Lord, unfeigned repentance for all
my past errors : that the many and great sins I
have committed, may not deprive me of the assist-
ance of thy Holy Spirit which I am about to
receive ; but through the merits of Christ, wash
away all that is past ; and let power and strength,
communicated to me from above, mortify and sub-
due them for the time to come. I am unable, O
Lord, of myself to help myself, but 1 solemnly give
myself unto thee, soul and body, all that I am, all
that I can attain, for the rest of my days ; merci-
fully grant, that thy blessed Spirit may, in all
things rule my heart ; that by his holy inspiration,
I may think those things that are good, and, by his
gracious guiding, may perform the same, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRAYER AFTER CONFIRMATION.

I BLESS and praise thy holy name, O Lord GkxJ-
for those renewed assurances which thou

404 FRAYBB8 FOR PERSONS IN PIXYATX,

vouchsafed me, of thy favor and gracious goodness
towards me. Let the blessing of the rite which I
have received by the hands of thy authorised ser-
vant, the bishop, be and remain with me, ami
most powerfully help and support me in all trials
and temptations, when I most need the aid of thy
Holy Spirit. Leave me not a moment to my own
frailty, without his assistance; but, through his
succors, enable me to adhere to that public and
solemn profession of my faith which I have de-
clared in the presence of God and the congrega-
tion, and faithfully to perform the promises I have
renewed, of observing and keeping thy holy com-
mandments; that walking uprightly before thee
all my days, and being found watching when my
•appointed time shall come, I may, from a life of
righteousness, be translated to a life of glory,
through Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Re-
deemer. Amen.

A PRATER FOR THE DIVINE PROTECTION.

O God, who savest by thy right hand, such as put
their trust in thee, be merciful unto me, for my
soul trusteth in thee ; yea, in the shadow of thy
wings will I make my refuge, until every fear and
calamity be overpast. I humbly beseech thee, O
gracious Father, to be present with me now in nil
my ways, and throughout the whole course of my
life. Suffer no malice to be abl^ to hurt, no cun-

UPON SBVSRAL OCCASIONS. 40d

ning to circumvent me, no violence to oppress me,
no falsehood to betray me. Deliver me from jthe
slander of the idle and of the tattler, as well of the
malicious. Strengthen my faith and trust in thy
power and providence. That which I cannot for-
see, do thou prevent ; that which I cannot with-
stand, do thou master ; that which I do not discover
to fear, do thou unmask or frustrate : that, being
preserved from, or delivered out of all dangers,
both of soul and body, I may in both glorify thee,
my only helper and deliverer, and be safe in the
merits and mercies of Jesus Christ, our blessed
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

A PRAYER AFTER A RELAPSE INTO SIN.

O JUST and holy God, what shall I say unto thee,
and how shall I appear before thee, after I have
so highly offended thy glorioys Majestj% striking
more wounds into my distressed conscience ! What
patience, but that of the long-suffering God, would
ever bear with such as provoke him every day,
when he could so easily break out in fury, and
avenge him of his adversary ! O how justly might-
est thou. Lord, refuse to hear me, crying to thee in
the anguish of my soul, who have so often refused
to listen when thou hast called by the motions of
thy good Spirit ! O the spoils, and havoc, and
desolation, which my sin has made in my soul !
I abhor myself, and huinble my soul here in

406 FRATBBS FOR FBHS0N8 IN PBIVATBt

the dust before thee, O Lord : and because I have
made so bold with thy laws, I am sorely afraid of
thy judgments. My sins have taken such hold of
me, that my heart fails me ; yet, Lord, if thou wilt,
thou canst make me wliole. I come, therefore, to
beg the so often forfeited life of my poor soul, at
thy blessed hands ; for thou, that hast charged us
to forgive an oSending brother, even as oft as he
repents, wilt not thyself be harder to thy childen,
when they become penitent seekers of thy mercy.
I believe, Lord, thy power and thy readiness lo
relieve poor sinners repairing to thee ; and to that
end didst thou, O blessed Saviour, come into the
world, and shed thy precious blood, to atone for
our guilt, and to cleanse us from all our sins. 0
that I, who have the greatest need, may feel ihe
happy benefit, that where sin has abounded, thy
grace may much more abound. Good God, there
is nothing in me but misery to move thy mercy.
O fetch arguments of pity from thy own infinite
goodness, and thy inclination to compassionate and
relieve sinners returning to thep, after they have
foolishly misbehaved, and wickedly rebelled against
thee. Mercy, O Lord, mercy I beg of thee. O
let thy compassion spare me, and withhold thy
justice from proceeding against me.

And grant, O gracious Lord, that the habit of
sinning may not so dull my sense of it, that I
should commit these great sins with little remorse.
Nor let it so increase my sinful inclinations, that 1

I7F0N SETBRAL OCCASIONS. 407

should be the servant of corruption, and take part
with the enemies of my own soul. Be thou, O
Lord, my strong tower of defence against thelHy
and enable me to go on, conquering and to conquer,
till in the name of the Lord, I have destroyed them.
So often have I fallen by their hands, that I fear
lest one day I should so fall, as never to rise again.
But thou, my strength and my Redeemer, art
stronger than the strong one, and able yet to secure
me. O blessed Keeper of Israel, keep back thy
servant from presumptuous sins; let them not have
dominion over me, that I may be upright and
innocent from the great transgression. 0 that the
same mercy which has hitherto held the hand of
justice from cutting me off, and so often spared
me, may also forgive and renew me. So strengthen
all the good things of thy grace in my soul, that I
may henceforth be full of power to defend thy
rights against these usurpations of the devil; and
may be found so faithful until death, that thou
may est give me the crown of life ; not for any
worth in me, but for the worthiness of thy Son,
and for the sake of thy own tender mercies in
Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYEB FOR TEMPORAL BIJESSINGS.

O Lord our God, who knowest that while we are
in this life, we stand in need of its supplies; and
bast promised to such as, seek thy kingdom, and

408 PBATBSS FOR PBRSOX8 19 PItTATB,

the righteousness ihereoC the addiiion of all othe
necessaries; thou hast commanded us to ask ol
thee our daily bread, and to cast our care upoi
thee, our heavenly Father, fi;r such a child's portioi
as thy wisdom sees to be convenient, and agreeabl
to our condition. O give me, therefore, I beseecl
thee, such health, and comfort, and prosperiiv, a
thou seest would be sanctified to my real welfare
Give me skill and ability to provide for myself
and graciously add thy blessing to my endeavors
Where I cannot supply all my own necessities, C
do thou raise up friends and means to help me
that I may never be destitute of what is requisiu
to sustain me, and render me useful to others
Make me always mindful of my Saviour, who tool
upon him the form of a servant, and had not when
to lay his bead. And be my condition never s<
poor and mean, yet let me acquiesce in the distri
butions of thy good providence, and having fooc
and raiment, be therewith content. In prosperity
keep me from forgetting thee; and in adversity
keep me from concluding myself to be forgotten ol
thee, and from all unnecessary cares, and nnpro
fitable dfjections. Add to me, O my Father, wha
thou knowest me further to need, and bless to me
what already 1 have ; that bodily comforts maj
not be to my soul occasions of falling, but encour-
agements to my duty, and engagements on m\
heart, to abound in thy love and praise. Hereir
may I exercise myself to have always a conscience

UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 409

void of offence towards God, and towards men ;
yea, whatever any may justly expect from me,
help me, O my God. to discharge it faithfully and
acceptably. Command a blessing, Lord, upon all
my honest labors and endeavors, and make them
successful to promote my own and other's good.
And in the want of all other supplies and succors,
be thou, O God, my all in all, in life and death,
and evermore, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR DIRECTION, HELP, AND BLESSING IN

ANY DIFFICULT DUTY.

O Almighty God, who givest power to the faint,
and increaseth strength to them that have no might;
without thee I can do nothing, neither desiring nor
proposing any thing good, nor shunning any evil ;
but by thy gracious assistance it is that I am en-
abled for the performance of every duty; my eyes
are upon thee, and all my expectation is from thee;
and still I desire to wait, and call, and depend
upon thee. A difficult work, now I have to per-
form : but, O how little strength for it ! All my
sufficiency is of thee, who workest in us to will
and to do of thy good pleasure. O thou that
hast showed thyself graciously on my behalf, and
brought me on hitherto, never cast me off, I be-
seech thee, nor abandon me over to myself, who
am a reed shaken with ihe wind — a leaf driven to
and fro; but let me be taught of God what is thy

pleasure concerning me. O that my way& were

410 PRATBRS FOE FBR80N8 lit PBITATK,

flirected to please thee, that I may have the light
of thy countenance shining upon me! I will go
forth in the strength of the Lord God, ^nd trust in
the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength.
Make my way prosperous, and give roe thy bless-
ing and good success. Bring all needful things to
my remembrance ; and where I have not the pre-
sence of mind nor [>ower of performance, O mag-
nify thy power in my weakness ; and let me go
forth in thy name and strength, and speed, and
prosper by thy grace and blessing. Let thy good
providence so be my defence and security, and
thy Holy Spirit my guide and counsellor, that 1
may wisely choose, and rightly manage, and suc-
cessfully accomplish, the things wherein I have
engaged.

Thy will be done, O Lord, however I am
pleased or disappointed ; and let me ever design
thy glory, whether it make for my gain or loss, in
any respect in this present life. O be thou still a
gracious Father to me, and a merciful provider for
me ; and grant me now the comfortable sense of
thy acceptance of me, and thy designs of mercy
toward me. Be thou pleased to take me to thy
fatherly care, and preserve me from the evils into
which I am prone to fall, and quicken me to the
good which I am averse to perform. O establish
thou the work of thy hands upon me; yea, the
work of thy hands establish thou it. My God and
guide, my help and strength, if thou lead me not,

UPON SBVBRAL OCOA8ION8. 411

I shall run into errors ; if tbou keep me not, I shall
fall into dangers ; but hold thou me up, and I shall
be safe ; make all that I think, and speak, and do,
acceptable in thy sight. O may I both put forth
myself, to stir up the grace of God that is in me,
and also experience thy power and presence with
me, and all the goodness of the Lord passing before
me; that I may so go through this, and all the
affairs of my life, that at my last reflection upon
what is past, my soul may have peace, and give
thy name the praise, through Jesus Christ* Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE DIVINE DISPOSAL OF Ua

Lord, thou knowest whether the having, or the
being denied, the matter in question be most con-
venient ; and therefore all I beg is, that what thou
seest most expedient may be done. I ask indeed
as is my duty ; but I presume not to prescribe to

thy heavenly wisdom. If thou seest this may

prove hurtful to me, do not only deny my petitions,
which proceed from ignorance and mistake ; but
remove far from me the very desire of that which
could not be obtained without my prejudice. Give,
therefore. Lord, such things, and in such measure,
and at such t^mes, as thou seest fit. Deal with
me as thou knowest it necessary ; for that I am
well assured is best for me, which is most agree-
able to thy will, and most conducive to thy glory.
^IMiot.ioe aoy post, and use me as thy own.

412 PRATBR8 FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB9

Turn and change me, and my fortune, at pleasure
I only beg to be qualified for ihy dispensations, to
use them rightly, and greatly to improve under
them. For I am thy servant, devoted to thee
without the least reserve. I desire not to live to
myself, but to thee. O that I might be enabled
faithfully and worthily to perform that homage and
duty, to all which my heart is most freely and
sincerely disposed, and grace for which I ask for
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

A PRAYER BEFORE A JOURNEY.

O God, who art alike present in all places, and
preservest man and beast; blessed be thy name
for the knowledge thou hast given me of ihy wise
and merciful providence, who makest thy angels
ministering spirits, for them that shall be heirs of
salvation. Both at honie and abroad, thou art ever
with those that put their trust in thee, by the uni-
versal presence of thy good -Spirit, to conduct and
guide us continually ; to protect and save us from
all dangers and mischiefs ; and, in the end, to make
our way prosperous. O let the blessing of the
Lord follow me at this time, and rest upon me, and
preserve my going out, and my coming in. Leave,
and forsake me not, O Lord, but be my God and
guide this day, and in all my intended journey,
and through all my life. To thee, O Lord, do I
commit myself, and all that belongs to me ; for I

UPON SBVSRAL OCCASIONS. 418

entirely depend on thy goodness and providential
care. Give thy holy angels charge of me ; and
defend me, if it be thy blessed will, from all casu-
alties and evil accidents, from the malice of evil
spirits, and from the violence of evil men. And, I
beseech thee more especially, so to accompany me
with the presence of thy Holy Spirit, that my soul
may be preserved in safety from all unholy thoughts
or passions ; and from all snares that may any way
betray me, in word or deed, to offend thy divine
Majesty. Deliver me from the contamination of
any evil company into which I may fall. May I
never be ashamed of thee, nor of thy gospel. And
give me grace thankfully to embrace the company
of those who are thy servants, that I may rejoice
in their society, and improve it to my increase in
wisdom, and pious affections. Bless and defend
this habitation which I am now leaving, and all
remaining in it ; that at whatever distance we may
be from one another, we may all live and walk in
the same spirit of faith, and love, and holiness.
Grant me a happy meeting again with my friends
and relations, if it be thy good will and pleasure.
And after all my changes and measures here, O
bring me safe at last to thy holy hill, and to thy
heavenly rest, to the end of my faith, the everlast-
ing salvation of my soul, through the greatness of
thy mercy to me, in thy dear Son, my gracious
Lord, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

414 PRATBRS FOR PERSONS IN PRITATB9

A PRAYER UNDER LOSSES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS IN

OUR AFFAIRS.

O MY Lord, by whom I live, and upon whom I
continually depend for life, and breath, and all
things, the world is thine, and the fulness thereof;
thou givest and thou takest away : blessed be thy
name in all. I thank thee that thy providence has
appointed my station, and disposes whatever con-
cerns me in the world ; thou hast made me abound
in many things of which others are destitute : and
if thou also makest me want what others abound
with, yet teach me also, my God, how to be abased,
and to suffer need ; and in whatsoever estate I am
therewith to be content. May I always remember
that if not so much as a sparrow falls to the ground
without thee, and the very hairs of our head are
all numbered, thou canst not be unconcerned in
the changes and accidents that befall thy servants;
and whatever instruments and occasions have been
employed, it is thy pleasure that it should bfe with
me as it is. Restrain me therefore, O Lord, from
impatience and despair under any of the saving
trials which thou dost appoint me. And help me
to take up my cross and follow my Saviour, in
self-denial and quiet submission to the will of my
heavenly Father. Teach me to feel and know that
as it will profit a man nothing to gain the whole
world and lose his own soul, so all the losses in
the world cannot undo him, whose soul is safe in

UPON SBVEKAL OCCASIONS. 416

thy hands. O let me not grieve, therefore, as if I
were undone, by my losses, but may I cheerfully
commit myself lo thee, to choose my inheritance
for me; and be least of all concerned for tjay worldly
portion, so that I may but see the joy of thy salva-
tion. And, Lord, repair to me these damages, in
an infinitely better way, out of thy own fulness*
with the mortf precious , things that accompany
salvation ; that I may imitate thy holy servants of
old, who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods,
knowing that they had in heaven a better and an
enduring substance. O make mc now more soli-
citous and industrious to lay up my treasure in
heaven, when I see how little any thing is to be
confided in here on earth. Let me look less upon
these temporal things that are seen ; and be most
of all concerned that I lose not the things eternal ;
being so rich towards God, that when all here shall
fail me, thou mayest never fail me, but be the
strength of qny heart, and my portion for evermorci
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER UNDER DOUBTS OP THE LAWFULNESS OP

ANY ACTION.

O Lord God, who.^rt light, and in whom is no
darkness at all; who art the instructor of the
ignorant, the guide of those that are in error, and
the fountain of all knowledge and truth ; O give
me a wise and understanding spirit, that I may

41G PRAYERS FOR PBRSONS IN PRIVATB9

know my duty, and a heart fully bent and deter-
mined to practise it.

More particularly, O Lord, I pray thee, at this
time, to enlighten my understanding, and inform
my un9ettled judgment, how to determine safely
the matter in which at present I know not how to
act. Show thou me the way that I should walk
in, and leave me not to the weakness of my own
reasoning, which, without thy enlightening grace,
will lesid me into the ways of error and confusion.
Give me, O Lord, I beseech thee, such an honest
and upright heart, that nothing may ever be able
to seduce me from my integrity. Let not the ex-
ample of a multitude persuade me to do evil, nor
the most powerful allurements of riches, honor, or
any other worldly advantage, turn me aside from
thy commands ; but convince me more and more,
how little it will profit me to gain the whole world,
and lose my own soul ; that being possessed with
an awful fear of thy displeasure, I may never dare
to do any thing but what thou approvest, and of
which I may be able to give a comfortable account
in the great day of the Lord.

Direct me, O my God, to those means which
will inform my understanding, and satisfy my
doubts. Give me a sound judgment, and a quick
and discrimining conscience. But if it should be
my misfortune, after all my inquiries, to fall into
any involuntary error, O Lord, lay it not to my
charge, nor let it ever provoke thy anger against

UPON 8BVBRAL OCCASIONS. 417

me. If it be thy wise and good pleasure that I
should still remaiD under doubts, give me grace, I
beseech thee, not to be rash in my measures, but
to submit to thy will, and to wait with patience,
till thou seest fit to instruct me belter ; and what-
ever worldly advantages I may lose by it, yet let
me still retain my innocence, and have the comfort
and support of a good conscience. Suffer me not
to be so regardless of my eternal interest, as for
the sEake of any temporal advantage to forfeit thy
favor, which is better than all the enjoyments of
this world. O Lord, I leave myself in thy hands ;
and I most humbly beseech thee, by the ministry
of good angels, and by the guidance of thy holy
Spirit, to carry me through this, and all other diffi-
culties ; and bring me to that blessed place of rest
and peace, where I shall be out of all temptation
and danger of offending thee, and where I shall
love and praise thee throughout all ages, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRATER UNDER INJURIES AND REPROACHES.

O MOST holy and righteous Judge of all the earth,
who knowest my foolishness, and how far I have
been accessary, by my past or present indiscre-
tions, to draw down these troubles and mischiefs
uppn my own head, how much worse I deserve at
thy hands, is also all naked and open to thine eyes.

But as herein I apprehend myself to suffer wrong-

18*

418 PBATBR8 rOR PBRSONS IN PRlVATBy

fully, being slanderously reported, falsely accused,
injuriously entreated, or bated witbout a cause, I
desire to pour out my complaint before thee, O
Gk)d, and to sbelter myself under the shadow of
thy wings. Plead my cause, O Lord, with them
that strive with me : and save me from those that
rise up against me. £aable me to give myself to
prayer, not avenging myself, but giving place unto
wrath, and committing my cause to thee that judgeth
righteously. O convince my adversaries of the
error they are in, and turn them from the evil
course they have adopted ; and the remainder of
their wrath, O do thou restrain.

O Lord, who mighest justly use them as thy
scourge to chastise me, for my many offences
against thee ; help me patiently to bear the indig-
nation of the Lord, because I h^ive so greatly
sinned against thee. However I am pursued, and
oppressed, O let me not render evil for evil, nor
railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing ; con-
sidering him that endured so great contradiction of
sinners against himself, that I be not wearied and
faint in my mind. If the man after thy own heart
had so many implacable enemies, that sought his
life ; if thy holy apostle was called a troubler of
the world, and a pestilent fellow, not fit to live ;
yea, if the Son of thy eternal love, was reproached
as a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners,
a deceiver of the people, and a dealer with the
devil ; O why should so great an offender as I am,

UPON SEVSaAL OCCASIONS. 419

to whom belongs confusion of face, so heinously
resent being set at nought, and enduring the cor-
rection of my own wickedness ! Though I deserve
it not from them, yet, how much worse do I deserve
from thy heavenly Majesty, who mayest justly
chastise me by their hands. Let unjust men then
say, or do what they may against me, O Lord keep
back thy servant from giving any just provocation;
and let me not suffer as an evil-doer. Though I
pass through evil report as well as good, how small
a thing is it to be judged of man's judgment ! And
if thou, my God, wilt have me to be low in the
world, even a hissing and proverb of reproach, let
me bear thy indignation, and submit to thy correc-
tion; looking unto Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness,
that once lay under clouds — the Lord of glory,
who bore such reproach and infamy — may I take
up my cross, and follow him, in meekness and
patience : having my eyes and dependence upon
the great Author and Finisher of our faith, who
first despising, and then surmounting the shame, is
now set down at the right hand^of the Majesty on
high, and from thence shall come in great glory to
judge the world ; even Jesus Christ, whose name
be ever blessed, world without end. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRFF.

O BLESSED Lord God, thou most compassionate
lover of souls, look with thy tcndercst pity upon me.

420 PRAYERS FOR PERSONS IN PRITATB,

a weak and frail creature, who am encom passes
about with many and great infirmities. My natur
is corrupt, my temper is irritable, strong and violent
and so prone am I to peevishness and anger, tba
slight provocations disorder my mind, and hurr
me away into foolish and unreasonable passions.

O Lord, I lament and bewail this frailty of m;
nature ; humbly beseeching thee, for the sake an<
merits of my blessed Saviour, to pardon aTl tha
sin and folly into which it has betrayed mc; and
beg of thee, merciful Father, to give me a meel
and quiet spirit, a patient and forgiving temper, ai
humble, charitable, and Christian disposition ; tha
the whole conduct and deportment of my life ma^
be such as becomes the servant of the meek an(
blessed Jesus.

Convince me truly, O Lord, of the great foil;;
of passion and anger ; how contrary it is to th<
spirit of thy holy religion ; what an enejny it is t<
our present happiness ; and how much it unfits ui
for the duties which we owe to thee, our neighbor
and ourselves.

O my God, it is my sincere desire, and it shal
be the hearty endeavor of my life, to be free fron
the bondage and dominion of this sin. But, alas
I find a law in my members warring against the
law of my mind, which, without the assistance of
thy holy Spirit, will bring me into captivity to the
law of sin. O let the mighty power of thy grace
strengthen my feeble wishes and endeavors, anc

UPON SETBBAL OCCASIONS. 421

enable me to conquer my most inveterate habits.
Let the gentle influences of thy blessed Spirit calm
the passions, and compose the storms and disorders
of my soul: and, O do thou save me from the
dangers of this troublesome and tempestuous life.

Root out of my heart, O merciful God, all pride
and vanity, all malice, hatred, and ill-will, and give
me a low and humble opinion of myself, that the
sense of my own unworthiness, and of the many
offences which I have been guilty of towards thee,
may move me to pity the weaknesses and infirmi-
ties of others, and to forgive the greatest .injuries
and provocations which 1 shall meet with ; remem-
bering how much more I stand in need of pity and
forgiveness at thy hand.

Take away from me, O Lord, the spirit of this
world, and fill me with that spirit of charity, that
suffereth long, and is kind ; that beareth all things,
and is not easily provoked ; that being full of that
peace of God, which passes all understanding, I
may live with comfort, and die with joy, and may
hereafter dwell in those peaceful regions of ever-
lasting bliss, where thou, O blessed Jesus, who art
the prince of peace, livest and reignest with the
Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world with-
out end. Amen.

49S PBATVR8 VOR PBB80N8 IN PAITATB,

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON IN A STATE OF POVERTY.

O MY God, infinite in goodness, power, and wisdom,
on whom all things depend ; and whose providence
overruleth all events ; riches and plenty come from
thee ; and poverty and want are hy thy dispensa-
tion. I believe that, for just and wise reasons,
thou hast allotted to mankind difllerent states and
circumstances of life ; and that thy g(X)d providence
bath designed my benefit and advantage in all the
temporal evils which have at any time happened
unto me. I confess, O Lord, my sins have deserved
much more severe afflictions ; and that thou art
wise and merciful in all thy dealings with me.
Though thou hast thought fit to place me in a mean
condition, to deprive me of many conveniences of
life, and to exercise my faith in a state of poverty,
yet I thank thee that thou hast hitherto preserved
and supported me by thy good providence, and
blessed me with advantages* above so many others,
who labor under greater trials and afflictions.
Above all, I enjoy the light of thy glorious Gospel,
and the means of grace, when many of my fellow
Christians are debarred of these precious comforts,
and lie groaning under persecutions, misery', and
death. I consider with humble acknowledgment
and thankfulness, that I am still alive, and have the
opportunity of working out my salvation ; whereas

* Here let the person recollect the blessings he enjoys, as the
inyaluabb mercy of health, the assistance of friends, liberty, <&c.

UPON SBVBRAL OCCASIONS. 433

many souls are given up to the just punishment of
sin, groaning out a sad eternity under inexpressible
pains, and inconceivable sorrows. These, O Lord,
are great mercies towards me, and would forbid
repining if thou shouldest see fit to try me with
greater difficulties than those which thou hast
hitherto laid upon me.

But, O merciful Father, who hast invited and
commanded us to lay our wants and necessities
before thee, help and relieve me, I beseech thee,
under my present perplexities ; and if thou seest
fit, bless me with such a portion of the comforts
and conveniences of life, that thereby I may be
enabled to go on more cheerfully in my station, to
serve thee better, to love thee more and more, to
admire thy wonderful bounty and loving-kindness
towards all the creatures of thy hand. Give me
health and strength, and abilities suited to my cir*
cumstances; direct me in the use of honest means,
whereby I may obtain, for myself and family, a
comfortable subsistence; and do thou succeed and
prosper my honest labors and endeavors.

But, O Lord, if in this I know not what I ask ;
if greater plenty, and comforts that attend it, would
prove snares and temptations to me — thy blessed
will be done ; support me, that I fall not into ex-
treme want, and lay not more upon me than thou
wilt enable me to bear. Supply the want of worldly
blessings, by the comfort and support of thy good
Spirit, whereby I may be made perfect in every

424 PRATBBS FOR PBSSON8 HI PKITATB.

good work to do thy will ; that I may become rich
in faith, and an heir of that kingdom which thou
haAt promised to those that love thee : make me
devout, holy, and heavenly-minded ; and so purify
and cleanse my heart, that it may be the constant
habitation of thy Holy Spirit.

Enable me, likewise, O Lord, cheerfully to
exercise all those Christian graces and duties which
my present circumstances call for : let the sharp-
ness of temporal wants, put me upon considering
what misery must attend the loss of my soul : let a
sense of my poverty stir up eager desires after the
true riches ; and the less I have of this world, the
more careful let me be to provide for the next;
that I may seek an inheritance incorruptible, and
that fadeth not away. Give me diligence and
industry in my calling ; and when I have done my
endeavor, make me to cast all my care upon thee,
and trust to thy fatherly goodness to provide for
me. Let not the contempt wrongfully cast upon
poverty, or any evils which I may endure, tempt
me to any dishonest ways of advancing my condi-
tion ; but let me choose rather to be poor than
wicked, and to want any thing rather than thy
favor. Clothe me with a meek, and quiet, and
humble spirit, which in thy sight is of great price ;
that through faith and patience, having finished
the race which thou hast set before me, I may be
received into the joy of my Lord. Grant this, O
merciful Father, for the sake of my Redeemer, the
ever blessed Jesus, jlmen.

PRAYERS

IN REFERENCE TO SOME OP THE PARTIOULAB

RELATIONS IN LIFR

THE HUSBAND'S PRAYER

O Almighty God, who hast called me to the state
of marriage, which is honorable, and which thou
hast ordained for the comfort and happiness of thy
creatures, sanctify it to me, I humbly beseech thee,
and grant that I may never abuse it to any un-
worthy purposes; but so behave myself under this,
and all other conditions, as becomes the servant
of the ever blessed Jesus.

To this end, O Lord, give me a meek and gentle
spirit, that is not easily provoked, a spirit of love,
forbearance, and charity, not apt t(» entertain angry
and unjust resentments ; that I may love my wife
with a hearty and sincere affection. Let me never
exercise that authority thou hast given me, in a
peevish, arbitrary, and tyrannical manner; but with
kindness and condescension, prudence and discre-
tion, endeavoring, as much as in me lies, to make
my wife happy all her days- Make me faithful
and conscientious, O Lord, in the discharge of that
solemn vow and promise which I made upon my

426 PRATERS IN BBFBRBNCB TO SOME OF

entering into this holy state, and of all those duties
to which it engages me. O let me never wander
after forbidden pleasures ; but grant that all my
actions may be governed by the rules of purity and
holiness, of justice and sobriety ; having always
before my eyes that strict account which I must
one day give. Let me never wast^ my time, and
consume my substance, in riot and disorder; but
grant that by diligence and industry, and by thy
blessing accompanying all my endeavors, I may
be enabled to provide for my wife and children in
such a manner as nfay conduce to their happiness
both here and hereafter.

O let thy blessing rest upon the head of her
whom thou hast given to be my wife ; give her
length of days, and increase in her ever more and
more the virtues of charity and piety. Let all
strife and contention, all repinings and discontent,
be far from us ; and let true Christian love and
peace dwell in our hearts. Make us eminent ex-
amples of a holy and blameless conversation ; and
grant that we may mutually aid and excite each
other in serving thee, bearing with one another's
infirmities, and studying to promote the welfare
and happiness of each other. Make us so faithfully
to discharge all our duties in this life, that when
thou shalt be pleased to take us hence, we may
dwell with thee in life everlasting, through the
merits of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

TBM TARTJCVImABL rblations hTlxfs. 437

THE WIFE'S PRAYER.

O MT God, who hast called me to this state of life,^
and by the permission of whose providence it is,
that I should be joined in wedlock with thy ser-
vant; I bless thee, Lord, that thou hast provided
so graciously for me. O conlinue this thy goodness,
in giving me knowledge and grace to demean my-
self aright in this relation, that I may ^honor and
obey the Lord in reverencing and obeying my
husband. Make me humble and discreet, diligent
and faithful, mild and patient; remembering not
only the duties and comforts, but also the tempta-
tions and crosses of the married condition; and
taking the worse with the better, as a part of my
|)orlion ; still showing myself a follower of wise
and pious matrons in all things that are of good
report, however J am tried with prosperity or
adversity. Bless my husband, O Lord, with the
best of thy blessmgs; and guard, and keep him in
thy continual care, with thy watchful providence
and Holy Spirit, till thou bring him to thy heavenly
kingdom. O bind us both in faithfulness unto thee,
as well as to one another ; and as we are one flesh,
so make us of one heart, and of one mind, that
nothing but death may ever make a separation
between us. And make us so faithfully to dis-
charge all our duties in this life, that we may
together dwell with thee in life everlasting, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,

428 FBATBB8 IN BBF£RSNCB TO 80MB OP

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN.

The children, O Lord my God, which thou hast
given me, I return, and surrender them up to thee.
O that they may know thee, and be owned by thee,
every one, from the greatest to the least- Pour
out thy Spirit, and all thy covenant blessings, upon
my offspring: make them, Lord, thy children by
adoption and grace. O take possession of their
hearts, and instruct those who have the teaching
of them, that they maybe brought up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord, and trained in the
way that they should go. Whatsoever else they
want, let them have thy love and the portion of
thy children. My God be thou a gracious Father
to them, and a merciful provider for them in all
estates, and all affairs and events of their lives.
Dispose of them, and whatever concerns them, to
thy glory, and to their everlasting salvation.

Take thou care of their temporal concerns, and
choose their inheritance for them, that they may
find it an easy and happy passage through the pre-
sent life ; but, especially, my God, let the powerful
eflScacy of thy good Spirit root out of their hearts
all corrupt and sinful affections; and instead there-
of do thou sow the incorruptible seed of thy grace,
that they may become partakers of thy divine
nature, and may bring forth in their lives the fruits
of righteousness and true holiness. Defend them,
O Lord, I beseech thee, against the sorrows and

TRB PARTIOtTLAR RELATIONS IN LIFX. 429

disasters of this world ; grant that ihey may never
be led away by the wicked customs and examples,
the lusts and vanities of it; but obediently keeping
thy holy will and commandments, and walking in
the same all the days of their lives, may be instru-
ments of much good in their generation ; and after
they have served thee faithfully in this world, may
hereafter be made partakers of everlasting happi-
ness in that which is to come, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

A PRATER FOR OUR PARENTS.

O Lord God, my heavenly Father, I here prostrate
myself before thee, to beg thy blessing, grace, and
mercy, upon my earthly parents, to whom I be-
seech thee to grant that I may fulfil all my duty
gratefully and affectionately. Cast them not away
in the time of their age ; forsake them not when
their strength fails them ; but have compassion.
Lord, on their infirmities, and help them in all
their weakness. O remember not against them any
of their former iniquities ; but according to thy
mercy remember them for thy goodness' sake in
Jesus Christ. May the true wisdom be with them,
and abundance of thy grace upon them ; that their
hoary heads may be found in the way of righteous
ness, and their souls be ever precious in thy sight.
O let goodness and mercy follow them all the days
of their life : let their last days be their best days ;

430 nULTXRS IK RBf^RBNCB TO SOliS 09

and the longer they live here, make them still the
readier to die, and the Btter to live with thy blessed
self, in the glorious life eternal. Be thou their
guide unto death ; in death their support and com-
fort ; and when heart and flesh, and all here shall
fail them, O do thou never fail them, but be the
strength of their hearts, and their portion for ever-
more, for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

A CHILiyS PRAYER.

0 Almighty God, my Father in heaven, to whom

1 owe my being and all the comforts I enjoy, who
dost vouchsafe to receive out of the mouth of babes
and sucklings, the praise of thy great name, I
beseech thee to impress my heart with a clear
sense of all thy glorious attributes. O thou who
hast taught us that the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom, give me such a fear of dis-
pleasing thee, that I may never dare to do any
thing, however I may be inclined, or tempted to it,
that is contrary to thy holy word. Keep it always
in my mind, that thou art in every place, beholding
the evil and the good ; that no darkness can hide
me from thine eye, no secrets are hidden from thy
mind ; and may I desire nothing so much as, that
all my thoughts, words, and actions, may be ap-
proved by thee. Fill my heart, O Lord, with warm
and grateful affections to thee. My limbs and
senses, my food and clothing, my kind friends and

THB PA&TIOTTLAR BBLATIONS IN LIFB. 431

comfortable borne, my safety from sickness and
accidents, and the advantages I enjoy in my edu-
cation, are all the effects of thy bounty and love.
Thou hast given thy dear Son Jesus Christ a sacri-
fice for my sin, and thy Holy Word and Spirit to
sanctify my heart, and fit it for a holy life, and for
happiness when I come to die. O how much love
do I owe thee for all these mercies ! Help me, O
my God, to love thee above all things ; and grant
that as I grow in age, I may grow in grace, and
show my sense of thy goodness by living to thy
glory. Enable me faithfully to disoharge my duty
in the station in which I am placed. Make me
dutiful and afiectionate to my parents and relations,
obedient and grateful to my teachers, obliging to
my companions, and respectful to all men. Assist
me diligently to improve my time, talents, and
privileges ; and enable me to lead a life of such
piety, usefulness, and benevolence, that I may be
a blessing, and not a curse, to the community,
among whom thy divine providence may place me.
Preserve me, O my Father, from evil accidents
and disasters, from wicked companions and habits,
and from all the misfortunes into which the rash-
ness and heedlessness of youth might conduct me.
Provide for me in such a nfanner, as thou seest
will be best for me ; and so lead and defend me
by thy Holy Spirit, and thy gracious providence,
through all the periods and events of my life, that
I may at length enter, with my relations and

432 FRAYBRS IN RBFERBNCE TO 80MB OF

friends, and with thy holy people, into that happy
place, where we shall see lliee, as thou art, and
where we shall together enjoy the promises made,
in ihe Gospel of thy Son, to all that love and serve
thee, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.
Amcnm

A PRAYER IN BEHALF OF ORPHANS.

O Lord our God, who art pleased to style thyself
in a peculiar manner, the Father of the fatherless ;
our eyes are now upon ihee, and we pour out our
souls before thee, entreating thee, to have compas-
sion on these orphan children, and leave them not
desolate, exposed to the wants, and mischiefs, and
dangers of this wicked world. Having ordained
that their father and mother should forsake them,
O Lord, do thou take them up, and be a parent to
them, and still a gracious provider for them. Guide
them, O heavenly Father, and raise up friends also,
that may be concerned in the disposing of them
and their affairs. O be thou pleased to choose
their inheritance for them ; and order all that con-
cerns them to thy glory, and to the promoting of
their present welfare, and their everlasting happi-
ness. O Lord, we commit them to thee; be thou
their God and guide, even unto death : be ever
watchful over them for good, and preserve and
keep them, and conduct them in all the varieties
of this life, till thou hast brought them to inherit

•THB PARTICULAR BBLATIONS IN LIFK. 43d

the blessed portion of thy children, in that most
glorious life, ^hich shall never fail. Grant this,
O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, our
only Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER IN BEHALF OF A WIDOW.

O MOST mighty God, the sovereign Lord of heaven
and earth, who art righteous in all thy ways, and
holy in all thy works ; thou givest, gind thou takest
away; ihou dost lift up, and in thy wise providence,
thou easiest down. Suffer not this thy afflicted
servant, O holy Father, to grieve like those that
have no hope, nor to entertain hard thoughts of
thy providence ; but enable her to submit to thy
will, and to repose herself under the care of thy
good providence, assuredly believing, that we can
never be destitute whilst we have thee for our
friend, nor miserable so long as thou art our portion.
O do thou then supply her with whatever she may
want of outward helps; and though thou hast been
pleased to take from her a great blessing, yet, O
Lord, deprive her not of thy spiritual mercies; but
let the comfort of thy love, be her portion and in-
heritance, under all the troubles and afflictions of
this world. Raise up friends, O Lord, that may
assist her in all her exigencies ; but especially do
thou teach and instruct her, that she may manage
those affairs which are now devolved upon her

>vith prudence, justice, and integrity. O let this

434 PRATERS IN REFBRBNCE TO SOME OF '

loss, which thou hast been pleased should befal
her, bring her nearer to thyself, and possess her
mind with such a thorough sense and conviction
of the uncertainty of all worjdly blessings, that she
may fix her heart, her hopes, and her desires, upon
those pleasures which are at thy right hand for
evermore. And grant, O merciful Father, that all
who are sharers with her in this affliction, may be
partakers, likewise, of thy support and comfort.
Teach us all so to number our days, that we may
apply our hearts unto true wisdom ; and so to fit
and prepare ourselves for that great account which
we must one day give, that when the time of our
appointed change shall come, we may look up to
thee with joy and comfort ; and may at last be
received into that place of rest and peace where
all tears shall be wiped from our eyes, and all our
sorrows shall have an end, through the merits, and
for the sake of our blessed Saviour and Redeemer,
Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE AFFLICTED; OR, WITH THEM,
UPON THE DEATH OF FRIENDS.

[Only sneh paragraphs as are most appropriate, need be used.]

O God, whose days are without end, and whose
mercies cannot be numbered; in whose hands our
breath is, and who dost admonish us by the death
of those whom we have known and valued, while
we are left the living monuments of thy forbearance
and long suffering, accomplish in our hearts, we

THB PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIF£. 436

beseech thee, ihe purposes of thy providence-
Teach us by the daily instances of mortality which
we behold, h6w frail and uncertain our own con-
dition is, that we may apply our hearts unto true
wisdom. Press upon us the consideration how
soon we must follow the vast multitude that are
gone before, and that are every day passing out of
the land of the living; that so among the sundry and
manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely
there be fixed where true joys are to be found.

Look with thy accustomed kindness and com-
passion upon these thy servants, who are here
bowed down under thy afflictive appointment.
Graciously apply to their hearts the doctrines, and
the promises, and the consolations of thy Gospel.
Do thou who hast sorely wounded, bind up and
heal. Do thou who in sovereign authority hast
bereaved, in divine piety and mercy repair the
breaches in their comfort and happiness. Suppress
every repining thought. Cherish their trust in
thee, and their faith and hope. Reveal thyself to
them as a God of consolation, and may they find
and feel that thou art their satisfying portion — that
thou, the eternal fountain of all good, art still the
same, and in all these changes, never cbangest.

Most just art thou, O God, in all thy dealings
with us ; and our afflictions are always less than
onr sins deserve. We humbly adore thy Majesty.
We revere thy justice. We gratefully magnify thy
past mercies. Sanctify, we beseech thee, to this

436 PBATBHS IN BBFBBBNCB TO SOMB OV

family their recent affliction. May the sense of
the bereavement which they have sustained, lead
them to cleave more closely to thee, their God.
lo all their troubles and apprehensions, may ihey
remember thy faithfulness and truth ; in all their
sufferings may iheir trust be in thy mercies. And
awakened now to a deep conviction of the shortness
and vanity of human life, may they resolve to seek
supremely those things which are above — to resign
themselves and all their concerns, with unreserved
submission to thy divine disposal ; and in the ful-
ness of resignation, may it be the language of their
hearts as well as their lips : — " The Lord gave,
and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the
name of the Lord."

Taught by the constant experience of the world,
that death is the end of all men, may we, who are
living, have grace to lay it to heart : so to lay it to
heart, that we may contemn the world with its
vanities and lusts ; that we may seek thy favor,
study thy will, cherish thy Spirit ; and in all our
actions, aim supremely at thy glory, at the salvation
of our own souls, and of the souls of our fellow
men- And when we are summoned lo go the way
of all the earth, may thy Spirit be with us, and
thy presence go with us, to sustain and comfort us ;
lo lead us to a rest eternal in the heavens.

O heavenly Father, take our eyes, and hearts,
and hope, off* of perishing comforts, to fix them
upon thee, the only satisfying good, in the enjoy-

TKB PABTIOULAR BSLATIONS IN LIPB. 437

ment of which consists our true life and peace.
And let the emptiness and frequent disappointments
that we find in all the enjoyments of the world,
teach us not to place our dependence upon them.
Help us to disengage our hearts from them, and
raise up our desires and hopes to the unmixed
pleasures at thy right hand for ever more. O let
us be more crucified to the world, where is nothing
but emptiness, and vanity, and vexation of spirit ;
and may we have our conversation in heaven,
where is our blessed Lord, and all his happy fol-
lowers ; that with them, we may attain at last, to
live in the sight and presence, in the love and
praises, and in the fellowship and enjoyment of
thee, our God.

Spare us, good Lord ; spare us, most mercifiil
Father, until we have truly repented of our sins,
and made our peace with thee our offended Judge.
For thy Son, Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all
our sins of which our conscience is afraid. For
his sake turn away all thine anger from us. Enter
not any further into judgment with us ; and after
the multitude of thy mercies, look upon us, and
visit us with thy salvation. Raise us, Q Lord,
from the death of sin, to a new and holy life ; that
being partakers of the death of thy Son, we may
also be partakers of his resurrection. O Lord,
hear and answer our humble petitions. O Lord,
have mercy and bless us ; and grant us thy peace,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and
Redeemer. Amen.

438 PBATEBS IN BBFBRBNOE TO 80BCB OV

A PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OP A SINNER* TO BE

USED BY A FRIEND.

O BLESSED Jesus, thou great lover of souls, who
earnest into the world to call sinners to repentance,
and to seek and to save those that were lost, I
come before thee, humbly to intercede in behalf
ot (here name the person) who seems to be under the
power of sin, and to live as without God in the
world, and in danger of perishing for ever. O
what shall I do for him ? And how shall I apply
myself to aid and awaken him ? I desire to learn
wisdom of thee, my Lord, and to be enabled to use
the most proper methods and expedients to move
him, and to do him good. O instruct me in the
means that I shall take ; and assist and bless me
in my endeavors to attain this desirable end.

O Almighty God, who canst enlighten the dark-
est minds, soften the hardest hearts, conquer the
stubbornest wills, and turn even the most hopeless
sinners to thyself; be thou pleased to manifest the
power of thy grace in this case that is so sad and
deplorable. Convince him, O Lord, of the great
danger his soul is in ; open his eyes ; soften his
heart, and turn his course ; break the force of his
temptations ; and make him a way to escape out
of the enemy's hands ; that even he who seems to
be now dead in trespasses and in sins, may hear
thy voice and live. Grant that this presumptuous
sinner may be startled, the secure awakened, and

THE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFE. 439

be that is so far gone yet recovered ; yea, that the
lost sheep may be brought home, and the prodigal
so repent and be converted, that his sins may be
blotted out, and his soul mercifully accepted, and
eternally saved.

O gracious God, who hast no pleasure in the
death of the wicked, but dost vouchsafe to be re-
conciled in the Son of thy love, to the very worst
of thy enemies, not willing that any should perish;
O what profit is there in his blood, and how shall
the dead and damned praise thee! Lord of all
power and mercy, get thee glory in his recovery*
Thou^ and thou only, canst do it. O speak the
word, and thy sinful creature shall live, and for ever
bless thy name. Show him his lost and perishing
condition, and excite hira to flee for refuge from the
wrath to come, to the hope set before him in the
Gospel.

Give him a true and unfeigned repentance ;
forgive him all the evil thoughts and devices of his
heart, and all the offensive, wicked carriage of his
life; forgive him all his sins of omission and com-
mission. Take away his pride and his stubbornness,
and bring him with full purpose of heart to resign
and give up himself to thee ; and make him diligent
to redeem the time that he has lost, and to become
exemplary in all the practices of piety and honesty,
of charity and sobriety, and all other duties of a
Christian life ; that he may be truly changed, and
quite another manner of person in all holy conver-

440 FRATBRS DT UFBRSKOB TO SQKI <JfW

sation and godliness. To this end, grant that he
may seriously consider the promises and threaten-
ings of the Gospel, the inestimable rewards thou
hast promised to the good, and those dreadful
punishments thou hast threatened to the wicked.
O grant even him an inheritance amongst them that
are sanctified through faith in thee, and send down
that renewing grace into his heart, which may be
there as a well of water, springing up to everlasting
life. Incline him to be diligent in the use of the
means of grace which thou hast appointed ; and
grant that he may no longer resist and grieve thy
Holy Spirit, but constantly obey and follow its
kind motions and operations. Thus comfort and
rejoice the soul of thy servant, O Lord ; show, O
blessed Jesus, thy saving mercy, not only to this
person, but to myself, and all mankind, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE MASTER OF A FAMILY.

O MOST high God, the Lord of all, whose provi-
dence disposes the several ranks of men in the
world, and whose word instructs masters, as well
as servants, how to demean themselves in their
respective places; it is thou, my Lord, who hast
made me the head of this house ; O ma^^ I walk in
it with an upright heart. Make me, 1 l>eseech
thee, a kind and gentle master, forbearing all severe
usage towards those placed in subjection under me.

THE PARTICULAR JIBLATIONS IN LIFX. 441

as knowing I have a mastfer in heaven, with whom
is no respect of persons. Let me never dare to
ennploy my servants, or any subject to my direction
and control, in frauds or falsehood under any form;
but give me a tender care and concern for their
souls, that they may never perish through any
neglect or fault of mine. Give me, Lord, an un-
derstanding heart and prudent conduct, and such
a spirit of government that I may go in and out
before my people as one that is taught of God ;
commanding nothing but in the Lord, according to
thy will, and for the advancement of thy glory.

O bless my house, Lord, and preserve it from
vice and ungodliness, and from all disorders and
dangers, and make it a nursery of virtue and piety,
of all that is exemplary, and of good report. O
that my wife may be the spouse of Christ; my
children the children of God ; my servants the
servants of the Lord ; and all the members of my
family the true members of thy Church, and the
constant followers of all that is laudable and good.
To which end, give us grace daily to offer up our
joint prayers and praises to thy divine Majesty,
and to be frequent in attending upon the public
offices of religion, and to spend some part of the
Lord's day together in other holy duties. Direct,
O God, and help us every one in the discharge of
our several offices ; that we may employ ourselves
as we ought, and with quietness do our own busi-
ness ; never forgetting, but above all desiring and

19*

443 PBATBRS IN REFBBENCB TO SOME OF

pursuing the great work of the Lord, for which
thou didst send us into the world. O keep us all
evermore in thy fear and love, safe under thy
protection, and upon the holy way to thy heavenly
kingdom, through thy mercy lo us all, in our com-
mon Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE SERVANTS PRAYER.

O God, Father Almighty, maker of heaven and
earth, who hath ordained by thy wise providence,
that there should be various ranks and degrees of
men, and that I should be disposed of in the humble
station where now I am ; I submit, Lord, to thy most
wise appointment of all things, and desire, with con-
tent and thankfulness, to accept of my portion, how
low soever in the world. Though bound to others
may 1 be the Lord's freeman, that faithfully dis-
charging the duties of my place, I may be as
acceptable to my God as those that enjoy the highest
stations. I desire it of thee, O Lord of all, to
choose my inheritance for me ; and I only beg at
thy hands, that my lot may fall where my soul
may prosper, though my condition be the harder.
May my heart be so right with God, that I may
have his blessed countenance and love. And being
found in the way of righteousness, may I be exalted
in due time.

O let me not be the servant of sin, but enjoy
the blessed liberty wherewith Christ Jesus sets all

THB PARTICULAR RELATIONS m LIFB. 443

his people free ; the liberty from sinful bondage,
the liberty to follow my Lord carefully, and to run
the way of thy commands with an enlarged heart.
And, Lord, be ihou pleased to fit me for, and teach
' and help me, in the service to which I am called ;
that I may perform it to the glory of thy name, to
the pleasure and welfare of those whom I serve,
and my own best advantage and comfort. O make
me true and faithful, careful and diligent, humble
and obedient, meek and patient; doing the business
of my place, not with eye-service as a man-pleaser,
but in singleness of heart, fearing God : not peevish
and fro ward, but apt to forbear, and deny myself;
not answering again, to stir up wrath ; but with
silence and submission, following the things that
make for peace ; watchful of the credit and interest
of my employer, as one that would be found faithful
in the sight of my God, who seeth in secret, and
searcheth the very heart : and make me, 1 beseech
thee, so devout towards thee, that thou mayest
mercifully accept me, and my service, for the sake
of thy beloved Son, my blessed Saviour and Re-
deemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE MAGISTRATFS PRAYER

O THOU great and supreme Ruler of all the world,
by whom all the governors on earth are set up, to
restrain the unruly, and to favor thy people ; make
me father to tremble at my accountability, than to

444 PRATBR8 IN BBFBRBNOB TO SOMB OW

be proud of my office ; and in the fear of the Lord,
may I ever be careful lo execute that which is
righteous in the sight of God ; and with all faith-
fulness to discharge my trust, as one that must be
judged myself. And seeing the eyes of men are
upon me, and my example must have greater
influence than that of a private man, O make me.
Lord, more vigilant and cautious in the inspection
of myself and the ordering of my conversation
aright ; that I may not embolden others to commit
such wickedness as I ought to punish ; nor be a
scandal and grief of heart to the holy followers of
Jesus, whom I am set up to sustain and comfort.
Make me ever ready and forward to defend, and
countenance, all the oppressed and destitute, espe-
cially such as live godly in Christ Jesus. Assist
me with prudent but courageous zeal to exert my
authority in a vindication of thy glory ; that the
interest of thy kingdom, and the welfare of thy
Church and chosen, may be ever next my heart.
Above all things, may I seek the things of Jesus
Christ; and so truly and impartially minister jus-
tice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice,
and to the maintenance of thy true religion and
virtue, that after my advancement here, I may not
be cast down in eternity ; nor receive a dreadful
doom, for betraying my trust, and abusing my
authority ; but may appear with comfort and joy
before my Judge, pardoned, and sanctified, and
justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus, and by
the mercies of my God. Amen.

THE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFE. 446

A CLERGYMAN'S PRAYER FOR HIMSELF.

0 BLESSED Jesus, my Lord and my God, who hast
called me to the office which thou wast pleased to
take upon thyself, and who camest not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give thy-
self a ransom for many; all glory be to thee-, who
hast been pleased so to dignify me. But as thou
thyself, the head of the corner, art to some a stone
of stumbling, and a rock of offence ; so thy mes-
sengers are to them that perish, the savour of death
unto death, as well as to them that are saved, the
savour of life unto life. And if thy wise and holy
servant asked. Who is sufficient for these things,
well may I, a weak and sinful wretch, tremble
under the work of the ministry, lest the blood of
those that perish, through my neglect and default,
should be required at my hands ; and lest when I
have showed others the way to heaven, I myself
should be shut out. But I look unto thee, O Lord,
my life, my strength, and my redeemer, who hast
appointed me in this station, to accomplish me also
for it. O thou that ordainest strength out of the
mouths of babes and sucklings, magnify thy power
in my weakness ; and show thyself so graciously
and mightily on my behalf, that I may do all things
as I ought, through Christ strengthening me. O
let me learn from thee what I shall teach concern-
ing thee. Open my understanding, O Lord, that

1 may well uDderstand the Scripture. »nd rielitly

446 PRAYBR8 FOR PERSONS m PRIVATB,

divide the word of truth ; and be able, by sound
doctrine, both to exhort aiid to convince the gain-
sayers. O put such thoughts into my mind, and
such words into my mouth, that out of the abund-
ance of my heart, my mouth may speak to the
glory of thy name, and to the edification of those
to whom I make my application. O make me wise
to win souls, and watchful over them, as one that
must give an account ; not entangling myself in the
affairs of this life, but waiting on my ministry ;
taking heed to myself, and to my doctrine ; study-
ing to show myself approved of God, and thoroughly
furnished to every good work. Give me skill and
conduct, prudently to steer my course through all
difficulties in my way ; and give me patience and
courage to withstand all assaults and opposition
which I have to encounter. O my Lord, be with
me, and guide, and help, and strengthen me, now
and always, in the great work lying upon me.
Open to me a door of utterance, that I may speak
thy word as I ought to speak; and make me faith-
ful, and diligent, and successful in my sacred call-
ing: doing thy work as thy workman, that need
not be ashamed ; not preaching myself, but .Christ
Jesus the Lord ; not seeking the praise of men,
but the honor of my God. Yea, make me an ex-
ample of all the holy properties and praise-worthy
practices, which I preach to others; that I may not
lay upon them the burdens which I refuse to bear
myself, but go before them in the ways which they

THE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN L1FC<

are lo follow; holding forth the word of life in my
conversation, as well as in my doctrine, that I may
shine with a convincing light to them, and not lay
a stumbling-block before them : neither making
the heart of the righteous sad, nor strengthening
the hands of the wicked, nor giving just offence to
any ; but approving myself, as far as I am able,
useful and beneficial unto all ; keeping under my
body, and bringing it into subjection, lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I
myself should be a castaway.

And, O thou that givest the increase, command
a blessing, I pray thee, upon all my studies and
endeavors, that I may not spend my strength for
nought, nor labor in vain; but that I may make
full proof of my ministry, and be instrumental
through thy grace, to convert the unconverted, and
to build up them that are in any measure sanctified ;
and so to save myself, and those That hear me, that
when I have finished my course, I may give an
account of my stewardship with joy, and not with
grief: and receive the crown of righteousness at
thy hands, not for my merits, but for thy mercies'
sake. Amen^ Amen,

SECOND PRATER FOR A MINISTER.

God, and Father of mercy, I present myself, in
humble adoration before thee, ardently desirous of
knowing tby vriUt and earnestly supplicating the

P&ATXR8 IN BBFBBBNCB TO 80BCB QT

assistance of thy grace, that I may be enabled to
fulfil it. O engrave upon my mind the character
which thou expectest me to sustain in society ; the
good which my example will produce, if it be irre-
proachable and amiable; the evil, if worthless or
suspected. Guard me, therefore, against levity of
behaviour ; against sudden and violent transports ;
against prodigality, or avarice, and unlawful gain.
Let no deviation from piety be encouraged by my
demeanor ; but may my private life most efficaci-
ously enforce my public preaching. May no soul
sanction its indiscretions, or extenuate its vices, by
pleading the licence of my unworthiness. To this
end, correct and subdue in me all inordinate de-
sires and unholy attachments: impress thy law on
my soul, that it may both establish my principles,
and influence my behaviour; that both the thoughts
of my heart, and the tenor of my life, may be
such as become aminister of the Gospel of Christ.
Let no avocations withdraw me from entering daily
into myself, that I may become more and more
acquainted with my own heart ; that its approba-
tion may be my greatest comfort, and its reproaches
my greatest dread.

As a minister of thy holy word, grant me, O
Lord, an uniform and regular diligence. Let no
indulgence in amusements, however innocent, nor
attachment to studies, however enticing, seduce
me from an unwearied application to the several
duties of my calling; but may every pursuit, which

THE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFB. 449

is not an immediate part of it, be regulated by
prudence, and restrained by severity. May my
mind never be alienated from the discharge of
ecclesiastical functions, nor diverted from the at-
tainment of evangelical holiness. May I never
forget that I am, in thy holy Church, a guide to
the blind, and a light to them that are in darkness ;
lest after having preached to others, and warned
them against the allurements of temptation, and
the power of sinful habits, I should myself be
treacherously overcome by the one, and everlast-
ingly ruined by the other. Grant me to be a
watchful shepherd, preserving by salutary counsels,
and through prayer without ceasing, the flock with-
in the fold, which I have undertaken to instruct in
faith, and deliver from danger.

Impress me with such a sense of the station
which I am appointed to fill, that I may devote all
the faculties of my soul, to a faithful discharge of
it : let me never forget, that, whether it is obscure
or exalted, I am equally an ambassador of the King
of kings, and a servant of the Lord of lords. Thus
honored, may no temptations of interest, or plea-
sure, relax the exertions necessary in bringing souls
to a knowledge of the truth, and of their moral
condition; to a holy trust in thy providence, and
an uniform obedience to thy Gospel. May every
discourse which I deliver, be calculated by thy
divine blessing, to awaken the thoughtless, and
alarm the impenitent, or to establish the righteous

450 PRAYERS IN RBFBRBNOB TO SOlfB OF

in the ways of godliness, and comfort those that
mourn. When I '* preach thy laws, and take thy
covenant in my mouth," let me not be satisfied with
the persuasiortv that the discourse is ingenious in
its composition, solid in its arguments, or elegant
in its style. Rather, O God, may it penetrate the
hearts, and supply the wants of those "very many
in the open valley, who are very dry ; " and may
thy spirit, in the delivery of it, say unto them, " O
ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord." Put
thy converting spirit into them, and they shall live.
Awaken them from the deadly torpor of an un-
sanctified heart; convince them of their guilt and
danger without Christ; and, if it seem good unto
thee, leave them no rest, until they have trembled
in fear of the penalties, and have embraced the
invitations and promises, of his everlasting Gospel.
•* Pour upon them the spirit of grace and of sup-
plication." May the temple, in which we assemble
to worship thee, exhibit a congregation, not col-
lected by the power of habit, but actuated with
reverence and godly fear. Suffer them not to
present themselves before thee with unprepared
minds, approaching thee with their lip«, whilst their
hearts are far from thee. But do thou inscribe
on their souls this awful sentiment — ** Wherewith
shall I come before the Lord, and bow mvself
before the high God." And when wc thus call
upon thy name, with grateful praises, with deep
reverence, and a sense of our continual dependence

THE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFE. 461

upon thee, O do thou hear us ; graciously say, It
is my people; that wc, in humble thankfulness,
may say, The Lord is our God.

But whatever shall be the effect of thy holy
word in my moulh ; whether I am encouraged by
the increase of morals, and the prevalence of piety;
or humbled and depressed by ignorance of thy
laws, and contempt of thy promises, let me not be
discontented and impatient, but wait thy good
time, when it shall please thee to give the increase.
May judgment direct, and zeal stimulate me lo try
every method and expedient, to convert sinners
unto thee. And O, thou Saviour of sinners, if it
be thy blessed will, let me not labor in vain. May
the hearts of all those over whom thou hast ap-
pointed me to watch, receive the word with meek-
ness, apply it with fidelity, and bring forth the
fruits of the Spirit. Grant that the quiet of families,
the obedience of servants, the kindness of masters,
the duty of children, and the affection of parents,
may all result from my preaching of thy holy
word. And may it be thy good pleasure, to make
a covenant of peace with them, to set thy sanctuary
in the midst of them, that they may be thy people,
and thou their God, in truth and in righteousness.
Produce, I humbly implore thee, this conversion
unto thee, in all over whom thou hast made me
thy steward ; that as often as thou shalt call them
to thy awful tribunal, 1 may have the consolation
of believing that they have died in thy faith and

462 PKATBR8 IN BBFBRBNCB TO 80MS OW

fear ; that their peace was made with thee ; a
that their names were written in the book of life

When I pray that all the flock may be thii
humbly and earnestly do I beseech thee, that 1
shepherd may not be. abandoned of thee. Let i
my unworthiness to minister at thy altar, be 1
cause of my reprobation ; but when thou sh
summon me to give an account of my stewards]
— of my behaviour as a man, of my piety aa
Christian, and of my fidelity as a minister — ^gn
that my soul may be supported by faith, and <
livened with hope ; that the retrospect of a ]
passed in conformity to thy Gospel, in preachi
thy word, and promoting thy glory, may cnal
me to rejoice with the apostle, in exclaiming —
have ibught a good fight."

And O may thy Gospel dispense its beni
influence through every land : may it be faith fu
preached, and conscientiously practised ; and eSk
in the hands of all thy ministers, the everlasti
salvation of those to whom they announce it B
above all, I humbly entreat thee, that thy pro
dence may, in an especial manner, be extend
over thy Church, which thy own right hand hg
planted ; do thou be pleased to dwell in the mi(
of it, that it may be called •* the pillar of the tru
and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the he
mountain." Extend the knowledge and love of
pure doctrines and primitive worship: root c
prejudices against it; turn all its members fn

TBE PAKTIOULAR RBLATIONS IN LIPB. 453

the vanilies and pride of life : increase in them a
spirit of true godliness; and do thou in mercy
'< make of them a name and praise among all
people of the earth." May the holy and zealous
lives of its ministers be its brightest ornaments;
and may discord and schism be extirpated from
the habitation of thy house. May the voice of joy
and salvation be heard in every dwelling; and
may the several families of which each congrega-
'tion is composed, erect an altar unto thee, and
may they daily ofier upon it an oblation of great
gladness; saying, blessing, and glory, and wisdom,
and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and
might, be unto God, for ever and ever. I ask all
in the name of Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd
of the sheep. Amen.

THIRD PRAYER FOR A CLERGYMAN.

Almighty God, who by thy providence hast
brought me into thy immediate service, accept of
my desire of serving thee ; and grant that in the
sincerity of my soul I may perform the several
duties of my calling and the vows that are upon
me. Blessed be thy good Spirit, that ever it came
into my heart to become thy minister. May the
same good Spirit make me truly sensible of the
honor and danger of so great a trust, and of the
account! am to render to thee.

O thou Sovereign Pastor ! who gavest thy life

454 PBAYBRS in RBFBRBNOE TO SOME OV

for the sheep, grant that I may never sacrifice
flock to my own ease, convenience, profit, or pi
sure ; but may I employ ray time, my substan
my care, my labor, my prayers, for their well
continually, and thus, at least, give my life for
sheep. O thou good Sheplierd ! I beseech thee
myself and for my flock ; seek us, lead, defe
and preserve us, to life eternal.

Almighty God, who hast made me a guide
others, suffer me not to go astray myself. G
me grace that I may never follow the inclinati
of corrupted nature, nor govern myself accord
to the maxims of an evil world ; but give me
spirit, as well as the character, of a minister
Jesus Christ.

O Holy Spirit of grace, sanctify my heart, i
no base or impure thought, no mean and covet
affections may lodge there. Govern my ton]
that no corrupt dommunicaiion may proceed out
my mouth ; guard my eyes ; purify my ham
guide my feet ; order my whole life ; that, by
powerful influence of a good example, as well
by my teaching, I may lead the people commit
to my care in the ways of truth and eternal li
and that no irregularity in my conversation n
ever render my instructions ineffectual, or the w;
of religion to be evil spoken of.

O God, give me a true and prudent humil
that I may attend the flock of Christ as a servj
look on him ns my pattern, study his conduct «

TBE PARTICULAR RELATIONS IN LIFB. 465

spirit, spend and be spent for my flock. Inflame
my heart wilh an ardent love for thy word, an
ardent zeal for iliy glory, with a pure and disin-
terested love for thy Church, and with an earnest
desire of establishing thy kingdom in the world.

Almighty God, of whom alone cometh the in-
crease, grant thy blessings on all my ministrations,
that they may be effectual to the awakening of the
secure, to the comfort of the desponding, to the
strengthening of sincere believers in the faith and
virtues of the Gospel. O increase, by my labors,
the number and the graces of all such as love, and
fear, and honor thy holy name.

Assist me by thy good Spirit, that I may apply
a proper cure for all the spiritual maladies of my
flock ; that I may reprove with prudence and wilh
mildness; and like thee, my blessed Master, ** bind
up the broken-hearted, and comfort those that
mourn." And may I never " cease my labor, my
care and diligence, until I have done all that lietb
in me," both by my public ministrations and private
labors, to bring all who are committed to my charge,
to an agreement in the faith and knowledge of God,
and to ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ.

And grant, O God, that my care and conduct
in the Church of God may appear in the order and
piety of my own family. O heavenly Father, bless
and take us under thy gracious protection ; make
us an household fearing God, and examples to
others of order, diligence, faithfulness, and piety.

466 PRATERS IN REFBRBNGB TO 80MB OV

O gracious Lord, look down in mercy upon thy
Church which thou hast purchased with thy most
precious blood. Save it from heresy and schism.
Provide it with faithful laborers, such as shall have
a true compassion for the souls committed to their
care, and a knowledge and zeal answerable to the
account they are to give. Govern especially, the
minds of thy servants, the bishops of thy Church,
that they may be ** faithful, in ordaining others/'
and never through fear, favor, interest, or negli-
gence, promote any person to the sacred charge
of Christ's flock. ** May they be so merciful as
not to be too remiss, and so minister discipline,
that they forget not mercy." And may all presby-
ters and deacons be mindful of their solemn vows,
" reverently to obey those who have the charge
and government over them ;" that so order, unity,
and peace reigning in thy Church, it may finally
become a joy and praise throughout the earth.
Direct all those who are designed to serve at thy
altar. Bless them in their persons, their studies,
their intentions. Almighty God, sanctify the per-
sons and labors of the ministers of thy Church,
that they may be respected by their people, and
for thy authority in them be heard and obeyed.
Thus faithfully fulfilling our course, when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, may we all receive the
never fading crown of glory, and be admitted into
everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and
reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen*

THB PABTIGULAR RELATIONS IN LIFB* 457

OFFICE FOR SOCIETIES FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OP
CHRISTIANITY; TO BE USED EITHER DURING THEIR
MEETINGS, OR AT OHER SEASONS.

Our Father, &c.

Almighty God, who hatest nothing, &c. {Collect
for Lent.)

Direct ns, O Lord, &c. (Prayer after the Com-
munion Service,)

Blessed Lord, who hast caused, &c. (Second
Sunday in Advent*)

Almighty God, who showest, &c. (Third Sun-
day after Easter.)

Lord of all power and might, &c. (Seventh
Sunday after Trinity.)

Most merciful God, we render to thee our
thanks and praise, for having given to us thine
only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth,
and the life ; who having finished his ministry on
earth, commissioned his Apostles, and through them
a succession of pastors to the end of time, to go
into all the world and preach the Gospel to every
creature. We implore thy blessing on all endeavors
for the extending, or continuing, the glad tidings
of thy salvation. Prosper, we beseech thee, all
societies instituted for the distribution of the Holy
Scriptures; or for the translating of them into dif-
ferent languages ; or for the converting of heathen
nations ; or for the gathering, in this land, or else-
where, of coDgregaUoDS ia which thy word may

4S8 PRAYERS IN REFERENCE TO SOME OF

be preached, its ordinances may be administered,
and thy people may offer to tbee a reasonable and
holy worship. Especially, we ask thy blessing on
the society, for ***** * (whose directors are
now assembled in thy name and presence,) that
the hearts and the hands of thy people may be
open for carrying the design of the institution into
effect; that thy servants, its directors, may be en-
dowed with wisdom, with fidelity, and with zeal,
in the discharge of the trust committed to them ;
that all in their employ may be protected by thy
providence, and guided by thy grace ; and that thy
holy word, whether distributed or preached agree-
ably to thy will, by their agency, and under the
influences of thy Holy Spirit, may be ** thy power
unto the salvation " of the receivers of it. Finally,
we pray that the Gospel of thy adorable Son may
be faithfully preached, and truly received and fol-
lowed, in all places, to the removal of all error in
religion, and of all wickedness of life, to the honor
and glory of thy name, and to be made acceptable
to thee, through the merits of the same, thy Son,
Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen,
The grace of our Lord, &c.

* Here the title or object of the Society may be named : and tbe
following words omitted, if the prayer be used in private.

AN OFFICE FOR

THE SICK AND AFFLICTED

A PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON.

O Almighty God, the father of the spirits of all
flesh, whose never-failing providence ordereth all
things both in heaven and earth ; I desire, with
the profoundest humility and reverence, to prostrate
both soul and body before thee, begging that thou
wouldst give me grace to behold and admire thy
doings in all thy dispensations towards myself
and all mankind. I acknowledge it thy bounty
that I ever was at all, and adore thy mercy and
long-suffering for preserving me thus long in the
land of the living. My many days and years of
health and comfort were thy gift; and the re-
coveries from former sicknesses, as well as the
prevention of those dangers and diseases I never
felt, are owing to thee alone. Man doth not live
by bread and care, nor is relieved by medicines
only, but by the word and blessing which pro-
ceedetb out of the mouth of God. Grant me, I
beseech thee, a strong and due sense of my entire

460 AN OFFICB FOR THB

dependence upon thee, and grace to improve under,
and behave myself in conformity to that persuasion.
That if the means used for my ease and relief
succeed, I may ascribe all the glory and thanks to
thee alone : or if thou thinkest fit to deny them
their intended effects, 1 may humble myself under
thy mighty hand, and remember thai thou» Lord,
hast done it. Inspire me, I beseech thee, with
that true and heavenly wisdom, which may help
me to discern aright the reasons, and enable me to
answer the ends of this correction, and of all thy
other dealings with me ; and in all conditions to
submit myself entirely to thy good pleasure, and
glorify God in the day of visitation. So shall this
weakness of my body tend to the strengthening of
my virtues, and the health of my soul, through the
merits of him who redeemed them both at the
price of his own blood, even thy Son, and my ever
blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord. Ajnen,

SECOND PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON.

O MOST merciful God, who according to the multi-
tude of thy mercies dost so put away the sins of
those who truly repent, that thou rememberest
them no more; grant me, I beseech thee, true
repentance and thy Holy Spirit; and then open
thine eye of mercy upon my languishing condition,
and give me comfort of pardon and forgiveness.
Renew in me, most loving Father, whatsoever hath

SICK AND AFFLICTED. 461

been decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil,
or by my own carnal will and frailness ; preserve
and continue me in the unity of thy Church ; guard
me by thy power from all the assaults of the
tempter, and suffer him not to take advantage of
my weakness ; consider, I beseech thee, my con-
trition, accept my tears, hear my own prayers, and
those of others, on my behalf, and assuage my
pains, as shall seem to thee most expedient for me.
In thy mercy, O Lord, I put my full trust ; in thy
mercy alone, through the merits and sufferings of
my crucified Saviour. Impute not, O Lord, unto
me my former sins, but strengthen me with thy
blessed Spirit ; and whenever thou art pleased to
take me hence, take me unto thy favor, through
the merits of thy dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

THIRD PRATER FOR A SICK PERSON.

Hear me, almighty and most merciful God and
Saviour, and extend thy accustomed goodness to
me thy poor servant, now cast upon this bed of
languishing, and grieved with sickness. Sanctify,
I beseech thee, this thy fatherly correction to me,
and grant that I may receive it, with all the pa-
tience and submission of a dutiful child. I desire
to acknowledge and adore thy divine wisdom and
goodness in every dispensation of providence to-
wards me ; and only beg that thou wouldst keep

462 AN OFFICE FOft THB

me safe under all, and then use what methods thou
pleasest, of bringing me lo thyself. Manifest thy
strength in ray weakness. Make even my feeble
condition an instrument of thy glory; and the more
my outward man decayeth, strengthen me, I be-
seech thee, so much the more continually, with
thy grace and Holy Spirit in the inner man. Let
the sense of my weakness add strength to my faith,
and seriousness to my repentance. That if it be
thy good pleasure to restore me to my former
health, I may lead the residue of my life in thy
fear, and to thy glory ; or else grant me grace so
to take thy visitation, that after this painful life is
ended, I may dwell with thee in life everlasting.
For this, O Lord, is the chief, the most earnest
desire of my soul, that whether I live, I may live
unto the Lord ; or whether I die, I may die unto
the Lord ; so that living and dying I may be thine,
through Jesus Christ, my dear and only Saviour.

A PRAYER FOR GRACE TO SANCTIFY AFFLIOTIONa

O Almighty God, merciful and gracious, who in
thy justice didst send sorrow and tears, sickness
and death, into the world, as a punishment for
man's sins, making short afflictions to minister to
an eternal weight of glory : thou hast called me to
fellowship with thee in sufferings ; Lord, by the
instrument of religion, let my present condition be

SIOK AND AFFLICTED. 463

SO sanctified, that thou mayest pity and assist me.
Relieve my sorrow, and support my spirit ; direct
my thoughts, and sanctify my sickness ; and grant
that the punishment of ray sin may be the school
of virtue. Lord, make me a holy proficient; that
I may behave myself, as a son under discipline,
humbly, obediently, and penitently; that Imay come
by this means nearer unto thee; that if I shall go
forth of this sickness by the gate of life and health,
I may return to the world with great strength of
spirit, to run a new race of a stricter holiness, and
a more fervent piety : or if I pass from hence by
the cutlet of death, I may enter into the bosom of
my Lord. Grant this, for Jesus Christ's sake, our
dearest Lord and Saviour. Amen.

AN ACT OF RESIGNATION.

O ETERNAL GoD, who hast made and sustained
me, who hast blessed me in all the days of my
life, and hast taken care of me in all variety of
accidents, of which none happen in vain, nor with-
out thy providence ; I know that thou smitest thy
servants in wisdom, and with designs of the great-
est pity and mercy. Lord, I humbly lie down
under thy rod ; do with me as thou pleasest ; do
thou choose for me, not only the whole state and
condition of being, but every little and great acci-
dent of it. Keep me safe by thy grace, and then
use what instrument thou pleasest of bringing me

464 AN OFFIOS FOR THB

to thee. Lord, I am not solicitous of the passage,
so I may get to thy bosom. I am thy servant and
thy creature, thy purchased possession and ihy
son : I am all thine ; and because thou hast mercy
in store for all that trust in ibee, I cover mine eyes,
and in silence wait for the time of my redemption.
Thou who art the God of patience and consolation,
strengthen me in the inner man, that I may bear
the yoke and burthen of the Lord, without any
useless murmurs. Lord, I am unable of myself
to stand under the cross ; but thou, O holy Jesus,
who didst feel the burthen of it, who didst sink
under it, and wert pleased to admit one to bear
part of the load when thou underwentest all for
him, be thou pleased to ease this load by fortifying
my spirit, that I may be strongest when I ana
weakest, and may be able to do and suffer every
thing that thou pleasest, through grace strengthen-
ing me. Lord, if thou wilt support me, 1 will for
ever praise thee : if thou shouldst suffer the load to
press me yet more heavily, I will cry unto thee,
and complain unto my God ; and at last, if it be
thy pleasure, I will lie down and die, and by thy
mercies, and intercession of the holy Jesus, and
the conduct of thy blessed Spirit, and the ministry
of angels, pass into those mansions, where holy
souls rest, and weep no more. Lord, pity me ;
Lord, sanctify this my sickness ; Lord, strengthen
me ; holy Jesus, save me and deliver me. O let
me never charge God foolishly, nor offend thee by

SICK AND AFFLICTBl). 468

mj impatience and uneasy spirit, nor weaken the
bands and hearts of those that charitably minister
to my needs : but though thou breakest me ia
pieces, my hope is thou wilt gather me up in the
gatherings of eternity. Grant this, eternal God,
gracious Father, for the merits and intercession of
our merciful high priest, Jesus. Amen.

A PRATER TO BE SAID UPON TAKING MEDICINE.

0 MOST blessed and eternal Jesus, thou who art
the great physician of our souls, be pleased to bless
the ministry of thy servant, in order to my ease and
health ; direct his judgment, prosper the medicines,
and dispose the events of my sickness happily, that

1 may feel the blessing and loving-kindness of the
Lord in the ease of my pain, and the renewal of
my health ; and, being restored to the society of
the living, and to thy solemn assemblies, may
I may praise thee and thy goodness in the congre*
gation of thy redeemed ones; here in the outer
courts of the Lord, and hereafter in thy eternal
temple for ever and ever. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE GRACE OF REPENTANCE,

O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee ;

my soul thirsteth for thee in a barren and thirsty

land, where no water is. Lord, give me the grace

of tears and pungeut sorrow; turn my sin into

20*

466 AN OFFIOB FOR TUB

repentance, and let my repentance proceed to par*
don and refreshment. Soften my heart with the
Jxe of thy love, and with penitential showers:
make my conscience tender, and the remaining
portions of my days like the perpetual watches of
the night, full of caution and observance, strong
and resolute, and patient. O Lord, I renounce all
affection to sin, and would not buy my health, nor
redeem my life, with doing any thing against the
laws of my God, but would rather die than ofiend
thee. O dearest Saviour, have pity on thy servant;
let every sigh be an expression of repentance, and
every groan an accent of spiritual life, and every
stroke of my disease a punishment of my sin, and
an instrument of pardon : that at my return to the
land of innocence and pleasure, I may eat of the
votive sacrifice of the supper of the Lamb, that
was, from the beginning of the world, slain for the
sins of every sorrowful and returning sinner. O
grant me salutary sorrow here, and joy hereafter,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

K PRAYER FOR PARDON OF SINS.

O JUST and holy God, my sins are innumerable,
they are upon my soul in multitudes, and a burthen
too heavy for me to bear. But, Lord, thou hast
sent thy Son to die for the pardon of sin; thou hast
given me thy Holy Spirit, as a seal of adoption to
confirm the article of remission of sins ; and thou

SICK AND AFFLICTED. 467

hast with variety of holy acts softened my spirit,
and instructed my understanding, and why should
not thy servant humbly hope for the effects of all
these thy miraculous acts of loving-kindness?
Lord, I deserve it not, but I hope thou wilt pardon
me, and I beg it of thee for the sake of Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast made the foundation of our
hopes, and the mighty instrument, whereby alone
we can obtain of thee whatsoever we need and can
receive.

Lord, I do from my soul forgive all that have
sinned against me : O forgive me my sins, as I
forgive them that have sinned against me. Lord,
I confess my sins unto thee daily, by the accusations
and secret acts of conscience ; and if we confess
our sins, thou hast called it a part of justice to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un-
righteousness. Lord, I put my trust in thee ; and
thou art ever gracious to them that put their trust
in thee. I call upon my God for mercy ; and thou
art always more ready to hear than we to pray.
But all that I can do, and all that I am, and all
that I know of myself, is nothing but sin, and in-
firmity, and misery ; therefore I go forth of m)*self,
and throw myself wholly into the arms of thy
mercy, through Jesus Christ, and beg of thee for
his death and passion's sake, by his resurrection
and ascension, to be pitiful and compassionate to
thy servant. Amen.

468 AN OFFICE FOH THB

A HOLY RESOLUTION OP AMENDMENT OF LIFEL

O MOST just and mosl merciful Lord God, I humblj
beg of thee that this my sickness may serve the
ends of health in the Spirit, and be a messenger
of spiritual life. If I recover, I will live by thy
grace, and strive to do the work of God, and pas-
sionately pursue my interest in heaven, and serve
thee in the labor of love, with the diligence of a
firm and humble obedience. Lord, I will dwell in
thy temple, and in thy service ; religion shall be
my employment, and alms shall be my recreation,
and patience shall be my rest, and to do thy will
shall be my meat and drink, and to live shall be
Christ, and then to die shall be gain. O spare me
a little that I may recover my strength, before I go
hence and be no more seen. For Jesus' sake, ihv
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

A PRAYER UNDER SAD ACCIDEXTS AND DISASTERS

FALLING ON THE BODY.

O Lord, the most high God, who hast taught us,
that affliction rises not out of the dust, nor comes
by chance, and without thy appointment ; but is
the messenger despatched on thy errands, who hast
an overruling hand in all the disasters that befal
us, I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right,
and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Great God, I humbly submit to thy hand, and will
bear the effects of thy displeajsure, which I have

SICK AND AFFLICTED. 469

drawn down upon myself. O my- Lord, give me
patience, and strength, and grace, proportionable
to this great and sudden trial ; and enable me so
to demean myself under it, that after the affliction
I may find cause to say, it was good for me to be
afflicted. Thou that hast torn and smitten, thou
alone art able to heal, and bind up. O wilt thou
remember me in my low estate, out of that mercy
of thine which endureth for ever ; that I may search
and try my ways, and turn to the Lord, and bring
forth fruits meet for repentance. For his sake who
was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised
for our iniquities. Lord forgive, and heal my soul
that has sinned against thee; and in good time,
repair the breaches made upon my body too, if it
seem good in thy sight, and make me to hear of
joy and gladness, that ihe bones which thou hast
broken may rejoice.

If ihou wilt, Lord, thou canst make me whole.
O may it be thy gracious pleasure to glorify thy
power and mercy in my help and recovery ; or
however thou shalt dispose of this vile body, grant
me, O my God, an humble resignation to thy will,
and satisfaction with thy dealings, and make this
sad dispensation, which is so grievous for the time,
gracious in the issue. O make it the messenger of
thy love to my soul, and the means of converting
and sanctifying it, and preparing it for the Lord,
and fitting it to receive all the saving mercies of
God, in Jesus Christ. Amen.

470 AN OFFIOB FOR THB

A PRAYER FOR A BLIND MAN.

O Lord our God, who art light, and in whom is
no darkness at all ; thy servant desires with meek-
ness and patience, to submit to thy heavy stroke,
and confesses that thou art just in quenching that
light of his eyes, which he did not use to thy glory.
But wilt thou, O gracious Lord, bless to him this
thy afflicting hand upon him, that it may promote
his peace with God ; and may cut off all the occa-
sions of worse falling, than any to which his present
darkness may expose him ; that so many tempta-
tions, which enter in at the eyes, being taken
away, he, freed from those distractions, may be
more intent upon the concerns of the soul. Lord,
as thou hast shown thy sovereignty and justice, in
taking away his sight, so let thy work of power
and mercy be made manifest, in enlightening the
eyes of his understanding, that he may see what is
the hope of thy calling, and what the mighty power
of thy Spirit in them that believe. - May he be
more earnest in looking to Jesus, and studying the
mysteries of salvation, the wonders of thy love,
and the glories of thy kingdom. Reveal thy Son
in him, and teach, and guide, and entertain him
with thoughts and considerations pertinent to his
condition. And let thy good Spirit as an unseen
•counsellor and comforter, still abide in him, and
bring to his mind, all things that shall make for
his encouragement in thy holy ways. O Lord,

SICK AND AFFIiICTBD. 471

lead him on continually, till in thy light he shall
see light, and have his eyes opened at the last to
see the splendor of thy kingdom, and all the joy
of thy salvation ; yea, to see thee as thou art, in
that heavenly presence where is fulness of joy,
and life for evermore, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER UNDER GRIEVOUS PAINS.

O Lord, who art a merciful God, who knowest
our frame, and how little it is that we can endure,
though it be so much that we deserve ; be pleased
to remember me in mercy, and make my sufferings
less, or thy grace in me, and my patience and
spiritual strength, greater than all. Lord, all my
desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hid
from thee. O regard my affliction when thou
hearest my cry; and enter not into judgment with
me according to the desert of my sins; but accord-
ing to thy mercy remember thou me, for thy good-
ness' sake in Jesus Christ. I acknowledge, O Lord,
the justice of thy dealings towards me. Suffer not
the extremity of my pains to transport me into any
rash or unbecoming expressions, nor cause me to
entertain hard thoughts of thy providence ; but
whatever evils or sorrows I may feel, let me still
love thee, and believe thee to be a kind and mer-
ciful Father, even whilst thou art smiting and
correcting me.

And, O blessed Lord, that I may be enabled so

47S AN OFFXOS P0& THB

to do, be pleased in thy great mercy to strengthen
and support me with the consolations of thy Holy
Spirit, and lay not more upon me than thou wilt
enable me to bear. I know thou art able to deliver
me, and therefore in thee do I put my trust. O
stretch forth thine almighty arm to help and relieve
me. And sanctify this affliction to me, that it may
produce in me the fruits of a true and sincere
repentance, purifying, invigorating, exalting my
character. O Lord, hear me ; O Lord, help me,
for thy mercy's sake in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
.Amen*

A PRAYER FOR THE STUPIFIED OR DELIRIOUa

O THOU great maker and preserver of men, who
knowest our frame and our frailty, let thy mercy,
we beseech thee, be showed to thy poor distem-
pered servant, according to the exigence of his
case. Thou, Lord Almighty, who didst command
the light to shine out of darkness, and bringest
order and beauty even out of confusion and defor-
mity, canst lighten the darkest mind, and regulate
the wildest imagination ; and speaking immediately
to the heart, thou canst incline and secure it to thy-
self, conveying instruction, and all suitable relief,
where the doors are closed against us. O God of
all power and love, wilt thou thus speak to the soul
of thy servant, so that it may observe thy voice.
Lord, direct and quicken, help and assist him,

SICK Aia> AFFLICTED. 473

where we cannot, and by virtue of the everlasting
covenant with even the helpless and perishing,
effect salvation for him by thy own self, in the
failure of outward means and applications. O have
pity upon his infirmities, and be merciful to his
mistakes and failings, his rovings and follies : give
him, gracious God, a penitent heart, and a believ-
ing, willing mind ; and then accept him in thy
beloved Son, according to what he hath ; and of
thy rich grace, make him an entrance into thy
everlasting kingdom, whence all the shadows being
vanished and gone, he may see light in thy light,
and joyfully give thee praise and glory to all eter-
nity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR A SICK CHILD.

O God of the spirits of all flesh, the smallest, as
well as the greatest, are thy work and thy care;
and neither without the compass of thy providence,
nor below the notice and regard of our heavenly
Father. O Lord, let thy thoughts be full of com-
passion to this sick child, for whose afflictions we
are now deeply concerned ; and send him that
relief and comfort from above, which none of us
are able to give ; either lighten the load, or increase
the strength to bear it ; and deal gently and gra-
ciously with him, good Lord, beyond what we are
worthy to, ask at thy hands, even for thy own
goodness and mercy's sake. Spare him, O Father

474 AN OFFICE FOB THB

of mercies, and grant him ease and release from
his trouble ; yea, make haste to deliver hina, we
humbly beseech thee. And in submission to thy
will we beg the recovery of his health, and the
continuance of his life, to be spent in ihy fear, and
to thy praise ; or if thou art pleased to take bim
away so early, O let it be in mercy, that it may be
to him the greatest gain to die ; that he may not
only be delivered from the miseries and dangers of
this world, and that which is to come, but may be
made ripe for heaven and eternal glory, through
the infinite satisfaction and merits of thy beloved
Son. .And to thy mercy in him, O most gracious
God, we commend this afflicted child, beseeching
thee to deal tenderly with him, and out of the
riches of thy grace, provide and do abundantly, as
thou knowest best for him, in life and death, and
for evermore, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

A PRAYER TO BE USED BY A WOUAN AT ANY TIMK
PREVIOUS TO HER TRAVAIL.

O God, who art the author of our being, the fountain
of life, and of all blessings, spiritual and temporal ;
thou art great, ^nd doest wondrous things ; thou
art God alone. I adore thy glorious majesty, which
has begun an excellent work in me, which no eye
but thine sees, and no hand but thine, almighty
God, can finish. Be pleased, I beseech thee, in
thy great goodness, to perfect and complete that
which thou hast now begun in me ; and preserve

SICK AND AFFLICTBJ). 476

it and me, from all evil accidents. And bless it,
O God, in mind as well as in body ; endue it with
an understanding capable toknow thee, with a heart
strongly bent to fear thee, and with all those holy
and good dispositions, that may make it always
amiable in thy sight. O, sanctify it, I beseech
thee, and receive and reckon it for thy child, as
soon as it is mine ; lent to me for my comfort, but
created and reserved by thee for thy service and
glory.

O Lord, I huntbly commit both myself and this
babe, to thy mercy and goodness : strengthen and
enable me, I beseech thee, to go through all that
thou shall appoint, with patience and submission
to thy will; considering that they are the just pun-
ishments of sin. Lay no more upon me than thou
will enable me to bear. Give me an humble trust
and dependence on thy fatherly care and good pro-
vidence, and make me, in thy good time, a joyful
mother of a hopeful child, which may live to be an
instrument of thy glory, through Jesus Christ, our
Lord and only Saviour. Amen.

A PRAYER WHEN THE TIME OF TRAVAIL DRAWS

NEAR.

O God, the help of all that put their trust in thee,
the support of the weak, and the relief of the needy;
look with pity upon me thy servant, who, in my
best estate, am but a weak and helpless creature ;
and much more in the condition I am now in, under

476 AN OFFICB FOR THB

which nothing but thy power is able to support me.
O Lord, in thee is my trust, who I know, art able
and willing to help me ; I repose myself, therefore,
under the care and protection of thy fatherly good-
ness, desiring to rest upon thee alone for my sup-
port, who art the rock of ages, and the strength of
all that put their trust in thee. Oh, let me not be
disquieted with the fear of any evil, since none can
happen unto me without thy leave ; but give me
grace patiently to resign myself to thy blessed will
in all things, who knowest whit is best for me,
and who, I trust, will not lay upon me more than
thou wilt enable me to bear. O Lord, be thou
graciously pleased to proportion my strength to my
weakness; and when pain and sorrows have taken
hold on me, leave me not under them, I beseech
thee, but save and deliver me for thy mercy's sake.
And as I have hitherto experienced thy fatherly
goodness in every state and condition of my trial,
so let me still find the continuance of it, to carry
me through this and all the remaining troubles and
uneasiness of this life. O Lord, pardon those sins
that have made me unworthy of thy care, and deal
not with me as I have deserved, but according to
thy mercy, and the merits of thy dear Son, Jesus
Christ the righteous.

Save, Lord, and hear me, O King of heaven,
when I call upon thee in this time of my trouble.
Be not»lhou far from me, O Lord; thou art my
succor, haste thee to help me. O revon upt

8ICK AND AFFLIOBBD* 477

my sins andT offences; but, according to thy mercy
think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness.
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged ; bring thou
me out of my troubles. Look upon my adversity
and misery, and forgive me all my sins; that I
may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all
thy wondrous works. O hide not thou thy face
from me; nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
Thou art my succor ; make no longer tarrying, O
my God, nor suffer me to sink under the burden
of pain. O my soul, wait thou still upon God, for
my hope is in him. In God is my health and my
glory, the rock of my might ; and in God is my
trust. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR A DYING MAN, PAST HOPE OP

RECOVERY

O THOU hope of Israel, and the Saviour thereof in
time of trouble! when all other hope and help fail,
we still seek thee for succor and consolation, who
canst even bring back from the mouth of the grave,
and quicken the very dead. We venture not to
beg the recovery of thy servant, O Lord, now that
he seems to us just launching forth into his everlast-
ing condition. But, O Lord our God, leave him
not, nor forsake him, but support and assist him in
his sorest extremities. In his conflict with the king
of terrors, let him find the most seasonable aids
from thee the author of his salvation ; stand by him
in hit dyiog hour, and secure him in thy bands

478 OFFICE FOR THE SICK AND AFFLICTBD.

from the enemies of his soul, and finish all that is
wanting of the work of thy grace upon his heart ;
freely and fully pardon and deliver him from all
his sins, and accomplish him to appear with com-
fort and rejoicing in thy blessed presence. O make
his departure easy, and full of peace and hope;
carry him safely through the dark passage, upon
which he is entering, and let him find at the gate
of glory, an access into the everlasting kingdom
and joy of his Lord. Into thy hands, we commend
his spirit. O thou Father of mercies, receive his
departing soul; and when he is numbered among
the dead, let him also be numbered among the
redeemed and blessed of the Lord, for his sake,
who himself died for sinners, and rose again, thy
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear what the voice frum heaven declares

To those in Christ who die !
** Released from all their earthly cares,

" They'll reigu with him on high.

Then why lament departed friendB,

Or shake at death's alarms?
Death 's but the servant Jesus sends

To call us to his arms.

If sin be pardoned, we 're secure,

Death hath no sting beside ;
The law gave sin its strength and power ;

But Christ, our ransom, died I

The graves of all his saints he hless'd.

When in the grave he lay ;
And, rising thence, their hopes he rais'd

To everlasting day !

THANKSGIVINGS

FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS,

IN ADmnOS TO TH08X AT THK END Or TBI FAMILY PBATXBB.

THANKSOIVINO AFTER A SAFE JOURNEY.

All thanks and praise that my soul can render, I
owe unto thee, O Lord, my God, for that provi-
dential goodness which I have experienced in my
journey just accomplished. Thou hsrst been nigh
to me, and watchful over me, not only to secure
me from the perils of the way, and from sad acci-
dents that might have befallen me, but hast sur-
rounded me with blessings and comforts on every
side. When at every step^ I was exposed to dis-
tressing evils, and might now have been groaning
under broken bones, or bruised limbs, yea, might
have been cut off and perished in the way, losing
not only property and health, but life itself; thou.
Lord, hast in mercy preserved and kept me in
safety, and restored me to my habitation in peace,
and to my accustomed comforts and privileges.

A vain thing, O Lord, is a horse for safety, and
man is the worst foe of man ; and nothing upon
earth can we confide in to defend us, if thou, the
blessed keeper of Israel, do not cover us under the

480 THANKSaiYINOS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB,

shadow of ihy wings, and give thy angels charge
over us, to keep us in all our ways. But such in-
visible guards I have had ; and such favor from
the Lord of love I have found. That mercy and
goodness of the Lord that has followed me all my
life, has been renewed afresh, and further mani-
fested to me in these my travels. O how inex-
haustible is thy patience, and kindness, and boun^!
To thee, O God of my life, and safety, and com-
fort, be all the glory. O fill me with a most grateful
sense of this thy rich grace and continual mercy ;
and give me a heart abounding with thankfulness
and with thy love and praises. May I never more
distrust thy providence, nor thy goodness ; — may
I never forget my vows and obligations ; but give
me grace to express the unfeigned thanks of my
heart, by a holy, and uniform, and zealous obedi-
ence, through my blessed Saviour and Redeemer,
Jesus Christ. Amen.

THANKSGIVING FOR PRESERVATION AND DELFVER-
ANOE FROM DANGERS AND TROUBLEa

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works
which thou hast done, and thy thoughts of mercy
which are to us-ward. If I would declare and
speak of ihem, they are more than can be numbered.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed ; I will
sing and give praise. I will be glad and rejoice in
thee, and sing praise to thy name, O thou Most
High. I will praise thee, O Lord, for thou hast

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 481

heard me, and art become my salvation, I found
trouble and sorrow ; then I called upon thee, and
thou wast attentive to my cry, and nigh to my help.
And though thou mighiest have made me an ex-
ample of thy judgments, as others have been for
my admonition, thou didst not consult my deserts
but my helplessness and distress ; doing great
things, and working strange deliverance for me, not
because I was worthy, but because thou aboundest
in mercy. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing,
for God is my defence, and the fountain of my
mercy. O Lord God, merciful and gracious, I will
extol thee, who hath exalted me, and not suffered
trouble and danger to overwhelm me. In my dis-
tress I cried to thee, and thou hast enlarged me.
Blessed be God, who hast not cast away my prayer,
nor turned his mercy from me. O what shall I
say unto thee, whose name is exalted far above all
blessings and praise ! And what shall 1 do for thee,
to whom my goodness will not extend ! I can
never answer the obligations which thy love, dear
Lord, has laid upon me : but leach and help me
to admire, and love, and bless, and praise thee,
with all the capacities and abilities which thou
hast given me. And O that thou wouldst imprint
so deeply upon my heart the sense of such season-
able relief, and wonderful mercy, that I may never
forget, never slight, nor abuse the great goodness
which I have experienced. May my love and

gratitude be manifested all the days of my life.

482 THANKSOIVINOS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATS.

Let me not become secure and careless, because I
have so escaped, but more watchful and diligent,
in proportion to the favors and obligations I have
received ; proving my thankfulness in such a man-
ner, as thou mayest graciously accept, in my blessed
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

A THANKSGIVING FOR THE BEGINNING OF A

RECOVERY.

Great and mighty God, who bringest down to the
grave, and bringest up again ; we bless thy won-
derful goodness, for having turned our heaviness
into joy, and our mourning into gladness, by restor-
ing this our brother, to some degree of his former
health. Blessed be thy name that thou didst not
forsake him in his sickness ; but didst visit him with
comforts from above ; didst support him in patience
and submission to thy will, and at last, didst send
him seasonable rehef. Perfect, we beseech thee,
this thy mercy towards him ; and prosper the means
which shall be made use of for Aw cure : that being
restored to health of body, vigor of mind, and
cheerfulness of spirit, Ac may be able to go to thine
house, to offer thee an oblation with great gladness.
And grant that the talents of time, and ability to
do good, which are now afresh committed to his
trust, may be, for tlie time to come, so faithfully
improved, that the gifts and graces of a sanctified
conversation may hold a due proportion with the
blessings he has received. Let these excite not

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 483

him only, but others also, by Aw example, to love
thee more fervently, to serve thee more faithfully,
to trust in thee more assuredly ; — in thee, O Lord,
who hast shown us thy goodness so plenteously,
and daily poureth thy benefits upon us: — in thee
who never failest nor forsakost them that seek
thee ; — in thee, whose mercies are sweet, whose
loving kindness is better than life itself, whose
service is perfect freedom, and in keeping whose
commandments, there is exceeding grcc^t reward —
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

THANKSGIVING AJTER RECOVERY FROM SICKNESa

O MOST mighty God and merciful Father, gracious
in all thy dispensations toward the children of men ;
I, thy unworthy servant, prostrate myself before
thee, with the fervent aflfections of a grateful breast,
acknowledging it of thy goodness, that I was not
long ago consumed. Thou, Lord, hast chastened
and corrected me, but thou hast not given me over
unto death. Blessed, therefore, be that divine wis-
dom, which saw this late affliction seasonable, and
would not suffer me to perish in my folly, for want
of such necessary warning. Blessed be that tender
compassion, which, in the midst of wrath, remem-
bered mercy; which made all my bed in my sick-
ness ; which passed by my impatience, and many
infirmities, and inclined a willing ear, to the wap-
dering and discomposed supplications of a poor

484 THAMKSGIVINaS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE.

feeble wretch, when he cried unto thee in his
extreme anguish and distress. Blessed be the
powerful influences of that grace, which disposed
my heart to consideration and repentance. But,
above all, blessed for ever be that power and good-
ness, which, by sparing me, when I had deserved
to be utterly cut off, halh given me an opportunity
to make good those holy resolutions, which thy
grace inspired, when I was in trouble. Lord, let
this goodness of thine, and my own serious purposes
of amendment, never escape from my mind ; but
preserve in me a constant sense of the indispensable
obligations I lie under to better obedience. Make
me everyday more and more zealous in promoting
thy glory, and the good of my brethren ; as a person
saved from destruction for this very end, that the
remainder of my life should be employed in the
service of my gracious deliverer. In this sense, O
my God, I humbly offer and present unto thee this
soul and body, rescued from hell and the grave,
beseeching thee to keep them thine for ever. O
let not the return of my health produce a relapse
into my former sins, but may it become an instru-
ment of thy greater honor, of my own stricter and
more steadfast virtue here, and my more exalted
and perfect happiness hereafter.

To this end sanctify, I beseech thee, all the
methods of thy providence to the salvation of my
immortal soul. And especially, let not thy abused
mercies, and my broken vows, ever rise up in

ON SBVBRAL OCCASIONS. 486

judgment against me. O may my past sufferings
work in me great humility and godly fear. Bring
back frequently to my remembrance, the promises
and supplications poured out in the bitterness of
my soul ; that those successful addresses to the
throne of grace, may stir me up effectually, to the
paying what I then so solemnly vowed. Open
thou my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may declare
thy mercy and truth as long as I live, and praise
my God, while I have my being. And,* for as
much as this recovery is only the lengthening out a
little that span of life, which must shortly have an
end, sufier me not, I pray thee, to forget that I am
a stranger upon earth ; but help me so to disengage
my heart from these things here below, which my
own late experience hath taught me, cannot profit
in the day of wrath, that my hopes and affections
may be unalterably fixed upon those better and
eternal treasures, which thou hast prepared for
them that love thee. All which I beg for thy own
merit's sake, my only Mediator and Redeemer : to
whom, with the Father and Holy Spirit, be ascribedi
as is most due, from me, and every creature, all
honor and dominion, thanksgiving and praise, hence-
forth and for evermore. Anun.

A THANKSGIVING TO BE USED BY A WOMAN AFTER

TRAVAIL.

0 Almighty and most merciful Father, in whom

1 livCf and move, and have my being ; by thee, I

486 THANKSGIVINGS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATB.

have been preserved ever since I was bom, and
to thy in6nite goodness I acknowledge it to be
owing that I am now alive. I desire, O Lord, to
adore and praise thy glorious Majesty, for the many
mercies and favors which thou hast bestowed on
me during my whole life. And in a more particular
manner, I present myself before thee at this time,
to bless and praise ihj^ holy name for thy late
mercies in. sustaining me in the pains and perils
which I have experienced. It was thy power that
preserved, thy goodness that delivered me, and
thy hand that supported me, when pain and sorrow
laid hold upon me. Praised therefore be that in-
finite love which moved thee to deal so graciously
with thy servant, and tp enable a feeble creature
to go through so much sorrow and anguish. O
Lord, give me such a sense of thy goodness, that
I may make it the great study and business of my
life to serve and please thee in all things ; that so
my returns of duty and obedience may, in some
measure, be answerable to those many mercies I
have received. Mortify and subdue in me all sinful
affections, and whatever might tend to alienate my
love from thee, and to slacken my endeavors after
the pursuit of heavenly things.

I commend likewise, O Lord, to thy mercy,
that tender infant which thou hast given me.
Sanctify it, I humbly pray thee, and so fill it with
the graces of thy Holy Spirit, that it may ever be
in the number of thy faithful servants. Grant, O

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 487

merciful Father, that I may never be wanting in
my duty towards it; but enable me, by thy grace,
to bring it up in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord ; that as it grows in years, it may increase in
grace and thy favor, and be a comfort to me all my
days, and a blessing to the Christian community.

All which I humbly beg, through Jesus Christ
our Lord ; to whom, with thee, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, be ascribed, as is most due, all honor,
power, thanksgiving, and praise, both now and for
ever. Amen.

THAGKSGIVING FOR TEMPORAL BLESSINGS.

Gracious God, the bountiful provider for all the
world's family, the eyes of all wait upon thee, and
thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou
openest thy hand and satis6est the desire of every
living thing. Year after year thou renewest the
, face, and the fruits of the earth, and givest rain
from heaven, and fruitful seasons, to fill the hungry
with good things, and to fill all our hearts with
food and gladness. Thou art not weary to do us
good ; yea, thou delightest in mercy, and hast
pleasure in the prosperity of thy servants, and
makest us now to find, by our happy experience,
how abundantly good and kind thou art, even to
the unthankful and the evil.

488 THANKSCnYINCW FOR FBB801I8 XX PBXTATS,

FOB RADT.

O Lord, who hast sent a gracious rain upon thy
inheritance, to refresh the dry and thirsty land,
and cause it to yield its increase; thou hast given
me a joyful opportunity of serving and praising
thee in the abundance of the provisions which thou
art pleased thus to make for us. O that men would
praise thee for thy goodness, and for thy wonderful
works to the children of men. O good Got!, to thy
name be all the glory rendered now and eternally.

FOR FAIR WEATHER.

Lord, who hast in mercy shut the windows of
heaven, and put a stop to the overflowing showers
that threatened to drown the fruits of the earth, I
bless thee that thou hast caused this sweet and
comfortable change to refresh thy unworthy ser-
vants, and to make all the creatures rejoice in thy
goodness. Blessed be our God, that deeds so gra-
ciously with us; and glory be to thy name, thou
great withholder of all evils, and giver of all good.
Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people
praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her in-
crease; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

FOR THE CESSATION OF PESTILENCK

O THOU great preserver of men, who hast delivered
my soul from the grave, and kept me, that I should

ON 8BVSRAL OCCASIONS. 489

not go down to the pit ; the jaws of death were
open upon me, and my heart was failing for fear
of the raging destruction, when the air was to so
many the sad messenger of death. Thousands
have fallen on every side of me, and it has not
come nigh me. But I have dwelt in the secret
places of the Most High, and, under the shadow
of the Almighty, have been kept in safety. O what
shall I say, what shall I give unto thee, my present
help, and only Saviour, in time of trouble. I am
every way thine, O Lord, and to thee only be all
the glory. I bless thee, my God, as one that is
made alive from the dead. O that my heart may
be deeply affected by this thy sparing mercy ; and
that the life which has been given to my prayers,
I may return back to be spent in thy service, that
I may love, and please, and praise my God, while
I have my being, through Jesus Christ, my God
and Saviour.

FOR VICTORY OVER OUR ENEMIEa

O Almighty Lord, the most high God, who rulest

the kingdoms of ipen, and dost whatsoever thoa

pleasest in heaven and in earth, in thy hand is

power and might, so that none is able to withstand

thee. Thou hast saved us from our enemies, and

put them to shame that hated us. It was not by

our own power that we have prospered ; nor did

our own sword or arm save us : but thy right hand,

21*

490 THANKSaiVINCHS FOB PERSONS IN PRIVATB.

and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance.
Thine, O Lord, is the power, and the gloly, and
the victory. Now, therefore, our God, we thank
thee, and praise thy glorious name. O thou great
Lord of Hosts, who givest such safety and good
success, wilt thou teach us also rightly to use thy
marvellous kindness and love ; that being delivered
from the hands of our enemies, we may serve' thee,
in holiness and righteousness all the days of our
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRAYER AND PRAISE FOR A CONVERTED SINNER.

I WILL praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my
heart, and I will glorify thy name for evermore ;
so great is thy mercy towards me, that thou hast
delivered my soul from the lowest hell. My lips
therefore shall greatly rejoice, when I sing to thee,
and my soul which thou hast redeemed, shall make
her boast in the Lord. For I was in darkness, but
now am light in the Lord; I was dead, and am
alive again ; I was lost, and am found. When no
eye pitied me, and when I had not a heart to. pity
myself, then didst thou, Lord of love, look upon
me in my blood, and bid me live. O sinful wretch,
that I should be taken, and others left! I am
amazed at thy kindness and love, O God my
Saviour. I praise thee that thou hast at length
overcome my heart, by thy Almighty grace. I
bless thee for all the patience and forbearance thou

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONB. 491

didst exercise towards me in my perverseness and
dullness. I thank thee for all the great things
which thou hast done for my soul, more than if
thou hadst set me up with the princes of the earth,
and blessed me with all the fulness and glory of
the world. Soon will all these things pass away
and perish, but the word of .God, by which I am
bom again, lives and abides for ever. Blessed be
God, his grace which brings salvation, appearing
to me, is in me a well of water springing up to
everlasting life. O God of all grace, who had such
thoughts of mercy towards me, even when I was
in enmity against thee, and did nothing but forget
and provoke thee, thou wilt not despise the day of
small things, nor cast me off for the failings of my
services, after thou hast brought my soul from the
gates of hell, within prospect of thy heavenly glory.
O blessed change, and mighty work, worthy of
God ! What shall I render to the Lord for these
greatest of all benefits, which I am not able so
much as worthily to "express ? Bless the Lord, O
my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy
name. M3' God and Saviour, I was hopeless and
helpless, and at the lowest thou hast remembered
me ; at the worst thou hast holpen and comforted
me ; the fear of hell was upon me, and thou hast
delivered me from that bondage to rejoice in hope
of thy glory. O blessed God of my salvation,
accept the oblation of myself, and all my services,
together with my thanks and oraise, for this thy

492 THANKSaiVlMGS TOR PBBSONS IN PBITJITB.

mercy in Christ Jesus, and grant that the remainder
of my life may be spent in thy love and in tby
faiiliful service. O tbat I may experience joy and
peace in believing, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
count thy love better than wine, and prefer ii above
my chiefest joy. Make me a true and faithful
subject of that spiritual kingdom, which is righte-
ousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy GhosL
Give me such a consciousness of thy Spirit's opera-
tion in me, by the fruits of that Spirit, such evi-
dences of thy power, such hopes of thy glory, and
such tokens to assure my heart of thy everlasting
love in Christ Jesus, that my soul may bless thee,
O Lord, and all that is within me, may praise thy
holy name. Accept, O gracious Father, and cor>-
tinue me for thy own, and make me still fitter for
thy blessed acceptance in Jesus Christ my Saviour> i
Amen.

^■^■m

493

SUNDAY MOBNING. (l. «.)

1 Mi op'nifig ejca with rupture sea

Tbe iliiwn nf thv returning day ;

Uj tl]i<..gl>l«. 0 dod, ucead to Ihee,

While ihia my early »ow. I pny.

S I yield my heart tr, tbee alone,

Nor would ri-ceive onolliur guest;
Eternal King! erect thy throne,

And n-igQ gale monarch in my brcait.

S 0 bid th" ensaariiis world retire,

And drive oaeb cnrnal thought away ;
Nor let mo tcel one vain desire,
Ono Binful thought through all the day

Then, to thy court* when I repair,
^ Mj Boul shidi rise on joyful wing,
■ The wonJeraofthy loTodedftre,

And join tbi! Etraina wliii^h engele sing.

EVENraa (CM-)

1 Now from the altar of our hcMla,
Let flamea of love uiw;
AsKiit aa, lord, to oSbt up
Our er'ning aacriflco.

■

a Uinutes and morcieg multif^rd.
Have made lip all thudayi

Uore Kwift, more freo than they.

S New (ime, new favors, and new joyi.
Do a new »ong require;
■nil we .hall praise ll«e aa wo wnuld,
Accept our bearta' deaiie.

494

MORNING. (aiL

t To thee let my firet ofTrings rise,
Whose sun creates the day,
Swift as his gladdening influence flies,
And spotless as his ray.

9 This day thy fav'ring hand be nigfa.
So oft Touchsafd before ;
Stin may it lead, protect, supply,
And I that hand adore.

3 If bliss thy providence impart,

For which, resigned, I pray,
Give me to feel a dieerful heart.
And grateful homage pay.

4 Affliction shoukl thy love intend,

As vice or folly's cure,
Patient to gain that gracious end,
May I the means endure.

5 Be this and every future day

Still wiser tlian the past,
And when I all my life survey,
May grace sustain at last

EVENING. (L.it)

1 Gbkat God 1 to thee my ev'ning soog
With humble gratitude I raise ;
O let thy mercy tune my tongue,
And fill my heart with lively praisa

S My days unclouded as they pass,
And cv'ry onward rolling hour.
Are monuments of wondrous grace,
And witness to thy love and power

3 And yet this thoughtless, wretched heart.
Too oft regardless of thy love.
Ungrateful, can from thee depart.
And from the oath of duty rove.

49fi

4 Betl mj forgirenew in Ui« Mood

Of Chriat, my Lord ; ha name tlaoa
I plead for ptirdoTi, gracions Ood,
And kind acceptAiicc at thy tlutna.
6 With hope in him aiy eyelids don.
With sleep refresh my feeble fmme ;
Sale in tliy care may I repose,
And vake vitb praia«s to thy UTam*.

HORNma HTUK. (uM.)

I AiTAEi, my Boul, aad with the nm
Thy daily course of duty run ;
Shake off dull sloth, and early nM
To pay thy moruing sacrifice.

3 Redeem my mispeat time that 's patt;

Live this day, us if't were tby last:
T improve thy talents take due C»rB ;
'Oainst (he great day thyieir prepare.

B Let all thy convorM be lincera,

Tby coDseieneo as the DOoD-day dew;
Think how the all-»eeiDg Qod, thy way*
Aqd all thy secret thoughts surreyl.

4 Wake, and lift up tliyself, my heart,
And witli the angela bear thy part ;
Who all night long umrearied sing.
Glory to thee, eternal King.

5 1 wake, I vake, ye heavenly choir,
Hay your devotion me inspire :
lliat I like you my age may spend,
Like you may on my Qod attend.

6 Hay I like yoa in God delight.
Have all day long my God io aight ;
Perfimn like yon my Haker'a will :
0 1 may I osver mora do ilL

496

7 Glory lo thee, who eafe hast kept
And liaat refreslied me wliile I alept;

, anuit, liifi, nlieu I fnim dcatli shall nke,
1 mo; of t;ii(11e83 life parljike.

8 Lord, I IDJ TOWS Iq UiPe renev;
Scatter mj un* aa morDiug itev;

Guard my first (pring if Ihouglit aod wQ],
And with [liysolfmy spirit fllL
S Direct, control, auggpst tliii day,
All I denign, or do, or «iy.
Thai &1] my pow'ra, with all (heir might.
In thy eole glory may unite.

10 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him, all a-eatores here below
Praise him above, y' angelic host ;
Ptaise Father, Son, and Holy GhosL

EVENINO HYMN, (c, it)

1 GLoaT Ifl thee, my God, this night.
For all the bleseing? or the light:
Keep me. O Vetp me, King at kings,
Under thine own Almighty wiogs.

3 FotgiTB me, Lord, for thy dear Son,
The ills that I Ihis day have done ;
That with the worlii. myself, and Ihee,
I, ere 1 sleep, at peace may be.

3 Teach me to live, that I may dread
Tlie grave as little as my bed ;
Teach me to die, that ao I laaj
Triumphing rise at tho last dsy.

i 0 may my soul on Uiee reposa,

And with «WBet sleep mioe eyelids oloee;
Bleep, that may me mors vig'rous make,
To serra my Qod, when I avake.

497

5 When in the night I ileepleu lie,

H; >oul irith hearenlj tliciughts mpply:
Let no ill drenms digturb my rect.
So pow era of datkuen me molest

6 O \ihen ehftU I, in cncllpM day,
For erer choee dark Bleep nwaj,
And hymns divine vilh nngels Mng,
Olny to thee, eternal King I

7 Pmiie Ood, from vhom all blening* flow.
Praise him all creaturea here below ;
Praise him above, y* angelic host ;

Praiae Father, Son. bii<I Holy Qb«(.

DAILT DEPENDANCR, (il &>
1 Vbih, Btreaming from the eaatem ikiei.
The rooming light lalutes mine ejee,
O Sun or riirhlcuutiieBs diWnc,
On me with besms of mercy ahine
Chase t)ic diirk clouds of sin away
And turn my darlinen Into day.

8 When to heaven's great and glorioua King
Hy morning sacrifice I bring ;

AdJ. mourning o'er my guilt and ■hame.
Ask mercy. Saviour, in Ihy name;
My conscience sprinkle with thy Uood,
And be my advocate with Ood.

3 As ov'ry day Iby mercy spares
Will bring its trials and it« cares ;

0 Saviour, till my life shall end.
Be thou my counsellor and friend ;
Teach me thy precepts, all divine.
And be thy pure example mine.

4 When pain tran«6ioa ev'ry part.
Or langour selllea at the heart ;
When on my bed. diw.is'd, oppresa'd.

1 turn, and sigh, and long fur rest ;
O Great Physician I see my grief,
And grant diy •errtiit sweet relieC

498

5 Should poverty's destractive blow
Ijay all my worldly comforts low ;
And neither help nor hope appear,
My steps to guide, my heart to cheer
Lord, pity and supply my need.
For thou, on earth, wast poor indeed.

0 Should Providence profusely pour
Its varied blessings on my store ;
O keep me from the ills tliat wait
On such a seeming prospVous state
From hurtful passions set me free.
And humbly may I walk with thee.

1 When each day^s scenes and labors close.
And weari'd nature seeks repose,

With pard'niug mercy richly ble88*d.
Guard me, my Saviour, while I rest ;
And, as each morning sun shall rise,
O lead me onward to the skiea

8 And, at my life's last setting sun,
My conflicts o'er, my labors done,
Jesus, thy heavenly radiance shed.
To cheer and bless my dying bed ;
And, from dcatlVs gloom my spirit raise
To see thy face and sing thy praise.

THE

YOUNG CHURCHMAN

CATECHISED.

KET. W. H ODENHEIKBR. A. I.

NEW-YOEK :

STANFORD AND 8WORD9, 137, BROADWAY.
1 1819,

TabuiiU Workt, ptMished by Stanford 4* Sworit.

ENGLISH CHURCHWOMEN

or THE

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY-

One Volume. 18mo. 50c.

** Thia i« a small and very naat edition of a most delii^htAil and useAil book. It s«ntuM
the biof^raphj of such excellent characters as Viscountess Falkland, the Countess of Csr
berry, Lady Capel, and Mary Evelyn. We cannot think of a better volume to pat ins
the Parish Library and the Family Circle. Wherever it foes, it most exert a auMl ke
mgn influence."— C«2eiMfar.

■* A charminif compendium of female biofri^hy, of which it must have ocenrred to ths
rMder there is a lack in our literature. Of course, as the title implies, the memonab sis
cooflned to members of the EMablished Church of En{^land, but that make* them no Ism
interestinj; and certainly no less profitable to the religious reader, since the priariples •■
virtue and religion are subjects for delightful contemplation, and profitable withal, nksl
ever their incidental relation or position. We are glad to poeaesa and coomeod te e(hsi>
this excellent publication.**—^, x. CotmmereioL

**No intelligent Chr'stian can read these biographical notices, without meeting with tn»<
of character well worthy of admiration and imitation.**- SeiiDUns Okmrekmmm,

LATHROP*S APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION.

CHRIST'S WARNING TO THE CHURCHES :

WITH AN APPENDIX OH THE

APOSTOLIC SnOOESSION.

BY THE

REV. JOSEPH LATHROP, D. D.

WITB AM INTRODUCTORT NOTICE BT THE RET. J. M. WAINWRIOHT, J>. B.

Handsome 16mo. 50c.

"A Treatise on the necessity of external ordinution. nnd of a succeasion At>m the Ape^
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and published those sermons on the occasion of Ueinz visited nad anooyrd by an itin^raal
preacher who " made (rreiit pretentions to pifty,** uiid " t:tu7ht thnt every naint hai» s rirht
to preach.** The work in its prenent republished form, cannot fail to he useful in teachiig
from whence authority to preach th>> Gospel is to be derived. — Calendar

** Here we have a defence of the apontolic succession, written by an eminent Conrren*
tSenalist, the Rev. Joseph Lathrop, and edited by a hi^rh Churchman, the Rev. Dr. Wain*
Wright It is a eooA book, although somcthiiifr of a curiosity in its way. It is g idea 9f
!■ Stanford and Swords 's usuil neat and tastcAil style." — RteortUr.

Vrrotimal Worlts puhtUhed Ay Stanford Sf

WILBERFORCE'S PRAYERS.

FAMILY PKAVERS.

\VILL1AM WILBERFORCE, ESQ.

ROBERT ISAAC WILBEKKORCE, M. A

PRATERS BY THK SEV. JOHN SWETE, D. D.

0»e rolume l8mo. cloth, 25c.

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_ id ■ MrauqusniB. The Qrw

£ci» uf *isH uU» ip
amonm V ■HnMioi

of dailj wonhip n
nquil ll■y^ 1Kb diHlptei

Ir dHantrur, ud i

*u •rku Kilbir nu nur iKin IDr au^
aa bin, Ibu ihi capll» ipmllicoiM bi
■nil'] DfthBl Giid.whDia bs*u ud wbo*

THORNTONS'S PRAYERS.
FAMILY PRAYEKS,

PRAYERS OX THE TEN' COMMASDMENTS.
A FAWLY COMWeNTARV UPCN THE SERMON OH THE MOVHT

HENRY THORNTON, ESQ.. M. P.

RIGHT Hr.V. SIANTOV KASTnUR.N, D. D..

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nl nluiiH CMUliia In nrkt, wUcli hi
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prW Ktwu liHrinf « utir Ul
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iiw rmmnr

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MEMOIRS OF MRS. ELIZABETH FRY,

A mSTORT OF HER LABORS

TIG BECOBIITIOII OF FEIllli PBISOJEItS,

\ IMPROVEMENT OF BRITISH SKAMEN,

REV. THOMAS TIMPSON,

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(UiwnrkfionilbgEiifluliodidan. Their putpuc li nov niUIII«l,<uid loitDiibl llii pki
tulfaroiite rsulor will (raiUj^rlu Ihii miHiariiil of > itif •ho, harmd all b* r fuiida

■mpliau ihal jl hu bo porlnut, imnrlr orquiu aqud id (hi EngHib aul at a'liBtpnMi
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STEPS TO THE ALTAR;
A MANUAL OF DEVOTIONS AND MEDITATIONS

BLESSED EUCHARIST.

A PARISH PRIEST.
One Yolume. 18nu. 31c.

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W< kail ii Hatupp^MHD Ital iIm diiuHl An •ucli bnoki •hHld. u wa are lurn IlirU,
iDiUry Ilnlrpabltealicw. Of (kii wrk wa need onlTHTUHlBiiieDluinnuHljiluiB, wkal
)• nidia tka pnlkun Hllea. 'Tta worktnt WiW< AadraKaa, C»Ir, K<iD,aHl Wll
•nn, mtj ba oaaliawd ■• ckHT inarcai fron wkiek nauar bu b»B dniwu.' Ab;' lUag
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ifMeiat datMlau Tar Ikt Mnitdaj' asJ Tindar aAu eMBmaalu Af ala, tban !• ■ Vnjv
tor Iknai wfco an B« iMa id eamnvalaau. Tbaa Ikan tn Pca/ura (iv H'ily Saanat
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CrtUT>lllilb*a*r«iHn7lua'ir. Tbg aataci )»»«»»« p«allatl}> beailUar, aiidwhii

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■aund.ud kanwd BUkop' Punoa, atc^ va ikiU ba of bal an' mlai la nfUfA u Hf '
aillliyaad wottk. To nt a«a Bladtlia bnaanr «r ib> nlnu llaaia lu aiinodlifdr.
pllell-, lu iniilH auillaaer, Iti IHtkilc *llw. kt • ■»»], ai • nd* lUKuai u
nmn lika a kl(k alud. TbU ihniila «SF«HiaB, tram Ik* aalkor^ aniiFp. caaliin* laa
■erm of aa aioNlaM tnHlL and we WBUjd ihal all asBpUera, far •liallar iHicpvun, weald
tTail ibivaidHi ar iL "Tka mirki et BM>S|ia ABdHiraa, Caali. Kaa. aait WriHD. ma]>
bt aaDIiBBad u «klar Hunt* from wUak mltar kta ba«« drawn. G'UI uh ku hwi
■adiar£<*l'J(Vihia JEwtarMtoa^aadallulBkai baaa dlrind ft'on laoca anlial
aUratardtvallBDi''tiid ualjr, if IkaHiwru wan Bsta anna cunnillod. end upKlnllr

iTBMBE-r af aoaad aad raapal Intli.

" ■ Wa wata aHratlaJ bf Uw lilto gflka ntliiaa. Aad II K traiy wbat It parparti la fc*
Mir ■!<••• •■•■>• faW* BaB* liU Ikar kaaal •roaad Ihe laenid liaard, and mar Ib^ b*
oftan (Ml Mar Ika* fraw aars aptrilaal, aad lika uata Ibcir Dlrlaa Lord i aiuf oaf Itia

hnishla iuMianaol. In (ba banda af Iba Alnl(lii)f Ood. laad aiirT aiilarl||klMuiBHa,aa4

Valuahle Worla, puhluied h'j HlanforJ ^- fiteords.

HOBART'S STATE OF THE DEPARTED'^

THE STATE OF THE DEPARTED

BY JOHN HENRY HOBART, D. D.

FowtK Edition. One Vo/umf. 12mo. 50c.

;ul»l Hjiinu, ud Uin Da«ciii aC Chriit inut Bell ;' wiiiiFii by Uiibou Hobul, la rt
guinea of iiFxpCimii l]»lii( Wk Ulwn la U> niBKra] addrru. Tbs dtiiTRUM

aJfui

■■Tba hrinr portiOB If thu lOlniBii !• occoeiul br 'A DIUEtlilien on Uie State af
DtpuUdSpirtu, udlka DeirculorckriitiDIalltU''— Id wIihK ikM Hil()iiri i> iliHsaKl

' 9 tUt ndnpMd by the Biihap wilh ■■ ttttcl aid ia a cgm|iu* •«
lIlIHUtloB « (hs nty impDrlanl ouoliDii ai to Ihs ilau of Ika

-.,. , or (bs lUHDMd BMwti Hobin, la vbtcli Ihs vhain uibJKlia

ItiDUH^I)' BiuaiMd."— A«*l'n»anti.

-The pabliabara vT tW> valublf «puftn ■( lift pvna oian sdlUoa la a iiyla m>iiii~
Iblni Illig -hal ill (wriU daaaad, jjaVV^rmt oiiu of the mluiun prc«ril>«l b; (bl
UuBU or W>lio|H la Iba tottte of uniy ftr eudidtini for ll<riy Uiilora, ii i. qu>ia lapir-

"^Thla'wHk af U.a ^oa Bi^pll^abut. u'^b'i.h^d at a very Haaaaabri liar, ■bH
■■■fV dvetrkoa oflka Chimb it ealLpd tn qaHiioiL IE Kaa DKBflbjaad by the Biabep^
- — u DB tba daaib^oT bh pradHMwr, Uiafiop Mwica sT Nair-rotli. and !• aa aiiaa»a-

aditiun ■< baaHtlfblijr ■« vp, Iba iiigwr aacilkut. an* "" ~ '-

lh> work llHir li laed ai a tail book in the Oaaaral T

■

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Full text of "Christian offices, for the use of families and individuals : comp. from the liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and from the devotional writings of various authors ; together with a calendar for the family worship of every day in the year"

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